I don't have much to share, just wanted to share a little story.
My girlie has always wanted a baby. We didn't know how she would transition from only child to big sister, but she has definitely jumped in feet first to her new role.
Buddy was upset in the car. He was tired and hungry and we were driving. So unfortunately couldn't stop to feed him. Lu reached over as far as she could to try to comfort her baby brother. All the time while saying, "It's ok. It'll be ok. We're almost home buddy."
She could have complained because he was crying. Instead she tried to make him happier in his time of sadness.
I hope that this compassion continues through her young life and that it'll rub off on others around her!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
I am THE MOM
Being a Mom is a very difficult job. The pay sucks. The hours suck. BUT the rewards are endless.
The challenges begin right at the very beginning. If you aren't fortunate enough to evade the onset of "morning sickness" - a rather strange name for a feeling of malaise that often lasts much longer than just the morning - then the first mother related challenge will begin shortly after conception.
Then there's the trauma that your body endures. The stretching, stretchmarks, scaring and let's not go into details about what happens upon that baby's arrival...
It's all worth it though, right? Especially when you see that beautiful little creature and you first hold him or her in your arms. You admire him or her lovingly forgetting all that you've been through, not considering what is yet to come.
Then it hits you: "Where's the manual???"
That's right, unlike a piece of audio equipment (why should a baby be like a piece of audio equipment?...the only thing in common is the amount of noise each makes, but the baby doesn't come with a volume dial...) - unlike a piece of audio equipment, a baby does not come with an owner's manual. You need to figure it all out on your own.
Now when you think about it, Mom's all around the world are doing this all at the same time: Figuring it all out on our own. (Then when you've finally figured it all out for baby number one you have number two and things start all over, AND what worked for #1 doesn't work for #2, great huh?).
So why, if we are all doing the same thing, are mothers so incredibly hard on each other?
I am part of a breastfeeding group and this issue came up. Moms are often times the most judgemental of another mom's decision in rearing children. Why?
That is my question: Why? What purpose does it serve really?
I'm actually part of three groups: a birth club, baby wearing and the above mentioned breast feeding groups. I have to say the moms in these three groups are great. There are moments, but generally they respect each other's decisions.
It's confusing being a mom. When our mothers were born, it wasn't as confusing. At that point you listened to your own mom and did the same as she did. But now there is so much research and so many opinions about what is right for you and your child. Purees vs Baby led weaning, cloth vs disposable, breastmilk vs formula. Unfortunately, at some point we've forgotten that we have this research to learn, then make the best decision for your own family. That decision doesn't have to be the same as the mom down the road.
Why am I writing this? It actually has nothing to do with the baby, but with my 4 year old.
In Ontario school age begins at 4 years old. Lu is old enough to attend Junior Kindergarten. We have decided to send her to school part time. Here they offer full day every day kindergarten. We considered keeping her home to home school her, but she craves to be with other kids her age. I can't give her this. I am busy with the baby a lot of the time and can't always play with her. So we decided to register her and ease her into the school year. Personally I don't feel she is ready for full day everyday kindergarten. I have gotten more remarks from people about this than my choices to cloth diaper or feed purees...why? I am THE MOM. I know my girl best and I have done the research and made the choice that works best for my child and for me.
So in summary, I would like to encourage all of you moms out there to remind yourself that you are THE MOM. You make the choices for your children. It doesn't matter what others think is best. When you act in love for your child and in their best interest, that IS what is BEST.
Happy Mothering! It really is a wonderful job, even with all of its challenges.
The challenges begin right at the very beginning. If you aren't fortunate enough to evade the onset of "morning sickness" - a rather strange name for a feeling of malaise that often lasts much longer than just the morning - then the first mother related challenge will begin shortly after conception.
Then there's the trauma that your body endures. The stretching, stretchmarks, scaring and let's not go into details about what happens upon that baby's arrival...
It's all worth it though, right? Especially when you see that beautiful little creature and you first hold him or her in your arms. You admire him or her lovingly forgetting all that you've been through, not considering what is yet to come.
Then it hits you: "Where's the manual???"
That's right, unlike a piece of audio equipment (why should a baby be like a piece of audio equipment?...the only thing in common is the amount of noise each makes, but the baby doesn't come with a volume dial...) - unlike a piece of audio equipment, a baby does not come with an owner's manual. You need to figure it all out on your own.
Now when you think about it, Mom's all around the world are doing this all at the same time: Figuring it all out on our own. (Then when you've finally figured it all out for baby number one you have number two and things start all over, AND what worked for #1 doesn't work for #2, great huh?).
So why, if we are all doing the same thing, are mothers so incredibly hard on each other?
I am part of a breastfeeding group and this issue came up. Moms are often times the most judgemental of another mom's decision in rearing children. Why?
That is my question: Why? What purpose does it serve really?
I'm actually part of three groups: a birth club, baby wearing and the above mentioned breast feeding groups. I have to say the moms in these three groups are great. There are moments, but generally they respect each other's decisions.
It's confusing being a mom. When our mothers were born, it wasn't as confusing. At that point you listened to your own mom and did the same as she did. But now there is so much research and so many opinions about what is right for you and your child. Purees vs Baby led weaning, cloth vs disposable, breastmilk vs formula. Unfortunately, at some point we've forgotten that we have this research to learn, then make the best decision for your own family. That decision doesn't have to be the same as the mom down the road.
Why am I writing this? It actually has nothing to do with the baby, but with my 4 year old.
In Ontario school age begins at 4 years old. Lu is old enough to attend Junior Kindergarten. We have decided to send her to school part time. Here they offer full day every day kindergarten. We considered keeping her home to home school her, but she craves to be with other kids her age. I can't give her this. I am busy with the baby a lot of the time and can't always play with her. So we decided to register her and ease her into the school year. Personally I don't feel she is ready for full day everyday kindergarten. I have gotten more remarks from people about this than my choices to cloth diaper or feed purees...why? I am THE MOM. I know my girl best and I have done the research and made the choice that works best for my child and for me.
So in summary, I would like to encourage all of you moms out there to remind yourself that you are THE MOM. You make the choices for your children. It doesn't matter what others think is best. When you act in love for your child and in their best interest, that IS what is BEST.
Happy Mothering! It really is a wonderful job, even with all of its challenges.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
The Dish Washing Blues
I wish I was feeling creative enough to write rhyming lyrics, but really this is just a post complaining about dishes.
There will be no photos with this post, because let's face it a post complaining about dishes is not inspired by a sparkling kitchen, but rather the opposite. I'm afraid my kitchen lacks the lustre to share on cyber space at this point. Maybe someday, but today is not that day.
I wish I had a dishwasher. Someone or something other than me. I had one in my old home. It was wonderful! I just hid the dishes away in it until it was ready to run, then it was almost like magic. You put those white pucks in, turn on, watch TV and when your program or movie was over, they were washed and pretty much dried if you had a fabulous machine!
Oh how I miss those days!
The man who reno'ed our kitchen thought a pub height sink was a great idea. Sure you don't have to bend down while washing dishes. Nope, instead you have to reach over and into the sink...oh and you know that wet spot you get on your belly from leaning against the sink...let's just say that wet spot has become two spots and is in rather unflattering locations.
Our counter height doesn't accommodate a dishwasher and the layout of our kitchen also doesn't provide a location to store a dishwasher when not being used. So I just have to suck it up and embrace my wet spots and scrub a dub dub...Maybe I should think about writing those lyrics to help pass the time while doing so.
Anyways off I go to work on the rest of my chores this fine morning.
There will be no photos with this post, because let's face it a post complaining about dishes is not inspired by a sparkling kitchen, but rather the opposite. I'm afraid my kitchen lacks the lustre to share on cyber space at this point. Maybe someday, but today is not that day.
I wish I had a dishwasher. Someone or something other than me. I had one in my old home. It was wonderful! I just hid the dishes away in it until it was ready to run, then it was almost like magic. You put those white pucks in, turn on, watch TV and when your program or movie was over, they were washed and pretty much dried if you had a fabulous machine!
Oh how I miss those days!
The man who reno'ed our kitchen thought a pub height sink was a great idea. Sure you don't have to bend down while washing dishes. Nope, instead you have to reach over and into the sink...oh and you know that wet spot you get on your belly from leaning against the sink...let's just say that wet spot has become two spots and is in rather unflattering locations.
Our counter height doesn't accommodate a dishwasher and the layout of our kitchen also doesn't provide a location to store a dishwasher when not being used. So I just have to suck it up and embrace my wet spots and scrub a dub dub...Maybe I should think about writing those lyrics to help pass the time while doing so.
Anyways off I go to work on the rest of my chores this fine morning.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The Heart of the Home
I think I recall hearing a saying one time about the Kitchen being the heart of the home. That is not the truth in my home.
In my home the heart is the dining room table. It would likely be the kitchen table, but our kitchen isn't laid out in a way that can accommodate a table. Regardless, it is our table that is the heart of our home.
Why do I say this you may ask?
Well that's an easy question to answer. It is the place where we gather as a family. It is where we learn. It is where we feast. It is where we play and create.
In our home, the table is where we sit down and eat our holiday meals, and our daily meals. It is where we sit and talk.
In our home, the table is where the pie dough gets rolled out.
In our home, the table is where we gather with family and friends to enjoy a game or two.
But also, in our home, the table is where our 4 year old sits to create her many crafts.
Yes, my table is old. It was made in the 1920's. Almost everything in this house is old...that's how I like it. You buy a 1902 model house, I decorate it with old furniture. Simply due to its age it would have so many stories to tell.
It's often covered with glitter glue and sparkles...sometimes it's cluttered, but it is where we can focus on being a family, thus the heart of our home!
In my home the heart is the dining room table. It would likely be the kitchen table, but our kitchen isn't laid out in a way that can accommodate a table. Regardless, it is our table that is the heart of our home.
Why do I say this you may ask?
Well that's an easy question to answer. It is the place where we gather as a family. It is where we learn. It is where we feast. It is where we play and create.
In our home, the table is where we sit down and eat our holiday meals, and our daily meals. It is where we sit and talk.
In our home, the table is where the pie dough gets rolled out.
In our home, the table is where we gather with family and friends to enjoy a game or two.
But also, in our home, the table is where our 4 year old sits to create her many crafts.
Yes, my table is old. It was made in the 1920's. Almost everything in this house is old...that's how I like it. You buy a 1902 model house, I decorate it with old furniture. Simply due to its age it would have so many stories to tell.
It's often covered with glitter glue and sparkles...sometimes it's cluttered, but it is where we can focus on being a family, thus the heart of our home!
What is the heart of your home?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Speedy Grilled Cheese
Two kids = busier and less time! Oh and a messier home! (That is next on my list)
I was at my sister's house one weekend and my teenage niece and her friend were making their lunch. I was astonished to see that they were using their waffle iron to make a GRILLED CHEESE sandwich! Oh my! The world was going to end...that's not what that wonderful kitchen appliance is for! It's for waffles! That's it...or is it?
Fast forward to today when Lu wanted grilled cheese for lunch. Between taking care of a four year old and entertaining her, I have a nursing baby, who feeds on demand. I thought I would try out this waffle iron grilled cheese sandwich.
GENIUS! So quick! So easy! AND it also segments the sandwich which means you don't even need to cut the sandwich.
My neice deserves an award...or something!
Or maybe I'm just old and unaware of the many uses of my waffle iron.
I was at my sister's house one weekend and my teenage niece and her friend were making their lunch. I was astonished to see that they were using their waffle iron to make a GRILLED CHEESE sandwich! Oh my! The world was going to end...that's not what that wonderful kitchen appliance is for! It's for waffles! That's it...or is it?
Fast forward to today when Lu wanted grilled cheese for lunch. Between taking care of a four year old and entertaining her, I have a nursing baby, who feeds on demand. I thought I would try out this waffle iron grilled cheese sandwich.
GENIUS! So quick! So easy! AND it also segments the sandwich which means you don't even need to cut the sandwich.
My neice deserves an award...or something!
Or maybe I'm just old and unaware of the many uses of my waffle iron.
What do you use your waffle iron for?
Better than Kraft Dinner
Now I bet you're asking yourself, "How can anything be better than Kraft Dinner?"
It's true, Kraft Dinner is pretty good. And it's super nice how easy it is in a pinch. The thing I don't like about it are the chemicals and preservatives in it. When my first child was born in 2010 and started solids that fall, we decided that we were no longer going to buy the boxed macaroni and cheese. Instead I searched for the most amazing macaroni and cheese ever.
Well I found it! This really isn't news though as we've been eating this macaroni and cheese for a number of years now, but I figured it might be time to share.
Mommy's Macaroni and Cheese (as that is what Lu calls it)
(once again I am terrible with measurements)
On one element boil water for the pasta, once boiling put in the pasta of choice.
On another element in another pot, melt about 1/4-1/2 cup butter on medium-low heat (don't cheap out - get real butter otherwise you'll be adding your own chemicals to the dish!). Start this while waiting for the water to boil. Add approximately 1-1.5 cups of milk. When mixture is warm add the secret ingredient: 1 tsp Dijon prepared mustard, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
Next, add 1 - 1.5 cup shredded cheese of choice....you can add as little or as much. If you add too much cheese you can always add more milk. However do not add cheese unless the milk-butter mixture is warm...you want the cheese to melt. Once melted and in liquid form (use a whisk to help keep mixture smooth), add 3 tbsp of flour. Whisk ensuring that the flour mixes in and there are no lumps. You should notice the mixture thickening. Once mixed, remove from heat.
Your pasta should be ready. Drain. Mix sauce and pasta together in largest pot.
Serve. Enjoy!
(PS I will add photos when I get from the camera!)
It's true, Kraft Dinner is pretty good. And it's super nice how easy it is in a pinch. The thing I don't like about it are the chemicals and preservatives in it. When my first child was born in 2010 and started solids that fall, we decided that we were no longer going to buy the boxed macaroni and cheese. Instead I searched for the most amazing macaroni and cheese ever.
Well I found it! This really isn't news though as we've been eating this macaroni and cheese for a number of years now, but I figured it might be time to share.
Mommy's Macaroni and Cheese (as that is what Lu calls it)
(once again I am terrible with measurements)
On one element boil water for the pasta, once boiling put in the pasta of choice.
On another element in another pot, melt about 1/4-1/2 cup butter on medium-low heat (don't cheap out - get real butter otherwise you'll be adding your own chemicals to the dish!). Start this while waiting for the water to boil. Add approximately 1-1.5 cups of milk. When mixture is warm add the secret ingredient: 1 tsp Dijon prepared mustard, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
Next, add 1 - 1.5 cup shredded cheese of choice....you can add as little or as much. If you add too much cheese you can always add more milk. However do not add cheese unless the milk-butter mixture is warm...you want the cheese to melt. Once melted and in liquid form (use a whisk to help keep mixture smooth), add 3 tbsp of flour. Whisk ensuring that the flour mixes in and there are no lumps. You should notice the mixture thickening. Once mixed, remove from heat.
Your pasta should be ready. Drain. Mix sauce and pasta together in largest pot.
Serve. Enjoy!
(PS I will add photos when I get from the camera!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Crockpot pork chops and roasted taters
I need to write this down. It was A-Mazing!
I needed something quick for supper and didn't really want to heat up the house, so naturally wanted a recipe for the crockpot. I took out some pork chops (unfortunately I'm not great at planning, so they were frozen and it was 2:00). Normally I make my pork chops with cream of mushroom soup and onion powder and garlic, but my hubby wasn't feeling well, and is lactose intolerant, so I thought I would skip the cream.
So, what do you do? Google or check on Pinterest, naturally.
I found this recipe on Pinterest...it looked promising. I did change the recipe up a bit to better suit our family. (http://www.macandmolly.com/slow-cooker-bbq-pork-chops/)
My version of Crock Pot Pork Chops:
1. Place 1/2 tsp of chopped garlic (from Costco) on bottom of crock pot.
2. Add enough chopped onion to cover the bottom.
3. Pour enough BBQ sauce to bottom to cover garlic and onion.
4. Lay pork chops on top. (They were frozen. If you are using fresh you may want to add a maximum of 1/2 cup of water)
5. Sprinkle pork chops with mustard powder.
6. Pour more BBQ sauce on top of pork chops.
I made 2 pork chops and used about half of a bottle of BBQ sauce. When it was finished, it tasted like candy.
I cooked on high for 4 hours.
Roasted Potatoes:
1. Peel and chop one potatoe per person. Cut into uniform size pieces.
2. Put olive oil on cookie sheet and lay potato on top in single layer.
3. Sprinkle with spices of your choice. I used salt, pepper, salad shake by litehouse, smoked paprika, and cajun spice.
4. Sprinkle more olive oil on top as you mix potatoes around on cookie sheet. Ensure that potatoes are coated with oil.
5. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Turn. Bake another 10 minutes.
6. Turn oven heat to 400 degrees and bake approximately 8 more minutes until potatoes are crispy. You may wish to turn again to ensure that they are evenly crisped!
Enjoy!
I needed something quick for supper and didn't really want to heat up the house, so naturally wanted a recipe for the crockpot. I took out some pork chops (unfortunately I'm not great at planning, so they were frozen and it was 2:00). Normally I make my pork chops with cream of mushroom soup and onion powder and garlic, but my hubby wasn't feeling well, and is lactose intolerant, so I thought I would skip the cream.
So, what do you do? Google or check on Pinterest, naturally.
I found this recipe on Pinterest...it looked promising. I did change the recipe up a bit to better suit our family. (http://www.macandmolly.com/slow-cooker-bbq-pork-chops/)
(sorry, I thought about taking the picture after I had started eating. These days, I need to eat quickly...or else I don't get to)
My version of Crock Pot Pork Chops:
1. Place 1/2 tsp of chopped garlic (from Costco) on bottom of crock pot.
2. Add enough chopped onion to cover the bottom.
3. Pour enough BBQ sauce to bottom to cover garlic and onion.
4. Lay pork chops on top. (They were frozen. If you are using fresh you may want to add a maximum of 1/2 cup of water)
5. Sprinkle pork chops with mustard powder.
6. Pour more BBQ sauce on top of pork chops.
I made 2 pork chops and used about half of a bottle of BBQ sauce. When it was finished, it tasted like candy.
I cooked on high for 4 hours.
Roasted Potatoes:
1. Peel and chop one potatoe per person. Cut into uniform size pieces.
2. Put olive oil on cookie sheet and lay potato on top in single layer.
3. Sprinkle with spices of your choice. I used salt, pepper, salad shake by litehouse, smoked paprika, and cajun spice.
4. Sprinkle more olive oil on top as you mix potatoes around on cookie sheet. Ensure that potatoes are coated with oil.
5. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Turn. Bake another 10 minutes.
6. Turn oven heat to 400 degrees and bake approximately 8 more minutes until potatoes are crispy. You may wish to turn again to ensure that they are evenly crisped!
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Helpful hint: Celery and onion
So this may not be any news to you, but for some it may be.
If you're anything like me you go shopping with the best of intentions to eat healthier, which includes more fruits and vegetables. The problem with that plan is that fruits and veggies are perishable...meaning they go bad.
Celery is a wonderful example. I buy celery planning to munch on celery sticks when I need a snack instead of cookies and other sweets. In reality what happens is the celery stalks stay neglected in the fridge until some time in the future when I find them, remembering my original plan. At this point, they're looking a little rough. What to do? What to do?
I hate throwing food out about as much as I dislike shopping for it in the first place...so...I salvage!
I salvage by washing and chopping the celery up into small pieces, then freezing in freezer bags.
I do the same with onions. Apparently you are not supposed to save and reuse a cut onion (I'm not sure what truth is in it, as my mom always used left over onions and we never got sick). In our house the onion would end up going bad and into the garbage. So chopping up and freezing is my solution to our left over onion dilemma.
The nicest part about having onions and celery chopped and in the freezer is that it makes making soup and soup stock that much easier! Not to mention anything else that requires cut celery or onion.
If you're anything like me you go shopping with the best of intentions to eat healthier, which includes more fruits and vegetables. The problem with that plan is that fruits and veggies are perishable...meaning they go bad.
Celery is a wonderful example. I buy celery planning to munch on celery sticks when I need a snack instead of cookies and other sweets. In reality what happens is the celery stalks stay neglected in the fridge until some time in the future when I find them, remembering my original plan. At this point, they're looking a little rough. What to do? What to do?
I hate throwing food out about as much as I dislike shopping for it in the first place...so...I salvage!
I salvage by washing and chopping the celery up into small pieces, then freezing in freezer bags.
I do the same with onions. Apparently you are not supposed to save and reuse a cut onion (I'm not sure what truth is in it, as my mom always used left over onions and we never got sick). In our house the onion would end up going bad and into the garbage. So chopping up and freezing is my solution to our left over onion dilemma.
The nicest part about having onions and celery chopped and in the freezer is that it makes making soup and soup stock that much easier! Not to mention anything else that requires cut celery or onion.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
I'm back!
It's been a while! I got locked out because...ready for it...drumroll please...I forgot the password. [insert embarrassed icon here].
Our little baby boy was born on March 20, 2014. He weighed a whopping 8 lbs 4 ounces (Everyone tells me that's big, but I still think it was small-ish). He's now just over 14 lbs at almost 11 weeks! Yup he's doing well.
As for my goals, well we'll have to take some time to review those soon. We're now at the halfway point in the year. Here's hoping by December 31st, I will have achieved some of those.
Life has been busy with a little one, but I hope to set aside some time to continue blogging.
For now, I will leave you with a photo of my little boy!
Our little baby boy was born on March 20, 2014. He weighed a whopping 8 lbs 4 ounces (Everyone tells me that's big, but I still think it was small-ish). He's now just over 14 lbs at almost 11 weeks! Yup he's doing well.
As for my goals, well we'll have to take some time to review those soon. We're now at the halfway point in the year. Here's hoping by December 31st, I will have achieved some of those.
Life has been busy with a little one, but I hope to set aside some time to continue blogging.
For now, I will leave you with a photo of my little boy!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Update
I am very sorry. I have been tardy in posting. Things have been busy. Who would have thought baking a second child was so tiring...ha ha.
I am due with this baby on Saturday and expect her or him any day now. After we get home I will update on the status of my goals (Why did I make so many? At least I have a year to complete).
I have some posts in mind! These will include posts about preparing our freezer for baby's arrival, decorating a nursery on a budget (Yes we've been very busy preparing for this baby), stain stick review and home made laundry detergent (unless I've already posted about that).
Stay tuned!
See you all again soon!
I am due with this baby on Saturday and expect her or him any day now. After we get home I will update on the status of my goals (Why did I make so many? At least I have a year to complete).
I have some posts in mind! These will include posts about preparing our freezer for baby's arrival, decorating a nursery on a budget (Yes we've been very busy preparing for this baby), stain stick review and home made laundry detergent (unless I've already posted about that).
Stay tuned!
See you all again soon!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Planning to achieve goals for 2014
I think the reason why I always had trouble sticking to new year resolutions was because I never made a plan. It's all good to have goals, but you need to figure out what you'll do to get there. So a few days into the new year I did that. I sat down and wrote out things that I can do this year to help me to achieve my 7 goals for 2014.
To make myself accountable this year, I am going to write those lists here.
1. Get finances in order
- create and follow a working budget
- shop sales only
- know needs vs wants *priorities
- reserve $ for debt payments
- not use credit cards/pay off immediately
- use of organizer to plan for bill payments
- pay bills on time
- savings - replenish; year savings plan
- tithe
- pray! :)
2. Become more organized
- use an organizer
- finish organization projects: label craft drawers, playroom
- put away things in proper location, the first time
- record finance and work payments
- file regularly
- find new ways to stay organized
- cleaning closet
- do up a cleaning schedule/ checklist (daily/weekly/monthly)
3. Make health a priority
- more fruits and vegetables
- more active play
- more outside playtime
- healthy meals - make meal plan in advance and plan with grocery shopping
- less snacking
- less sweets
4. Grow a garden and preserve for Winter
- plan and order seed by February
- rototill /break ground in March or April
- prepare soil
- plant May long
- container gardening and in ground
- schedule regular weeding
- water and check daily
- fertilize as required
- plan harvests
- find new recipes for preserving
5. Spend more quality time as a family
- family games nights
- family movies
- family outings/vacation
- Use our camper frequently this summer
6. Less technology
- Delete Facebook from phone
- Check Facebook 1 time a day
- manage and limit internet time
- limit tv time (both self and child)
7. Live a simpler "greener" life
- use reusable grocery bags
- recycle what is recyclable
- shop used
- cleaning products - use less chemicals
- make homemade laundry soap
- make own deodorant
- declutter
- get rid of non-essentials
- use less electricity
To make myself accountable this year, I am going to write those lists here.
1. Get finances in order
- create and follow a working budget
- shop sales only
- know needs vs wants *priorities
- reserve $ for debt payments
- not use credit cards/pay off immediately
- use of organizer to plan for bill payments
- pay bills on time
- savings - replenish; year savings plan
- tithe
- pray! :)
2. Become more organized
- use an organizer
- finish organization projects: label craft drawers, playroom
- put away things in proper location, the first time
- record finance and work payments
- file regularly
- find new ways to stay organized
- cleaning closet
- do up a cleaning schedule/ checklist (daily/weekly/monthly)
3. Make health a priority
- more fruits and vegetables
- more active play
- more outside playtime
- healthy meals - make meal plan in advance and plan with grocery shopping
- less snacking
- less sweets
4. Grow a garden and preserve for Winter
- plan and order seed by February
- rototill /break ground in March or April
- prepare soil
- plant May long
- container gardening and in ground
- schedule regular weeding
- water and check daily
- fertilize as required
- plan harvests
- find new recipes for preserving
5. Spend more quality time as a family
- family games nights
- family movies
- family outings/vacation
- Use our camper frequently this summer
6. Less technology
- Delete Facebook from phone
- Check Facebook 1 time a day
- manage and limit internet time
- limit tv time (both self and child)
7. Live a simpler "greener" life
- use reusable grocery bags
- recycle what is recyclable
- shop used
- cleaning products - use less chemicals
- make homemade laundry soap
- make own deodorant
- declutter
- get rid of non-essentials
- use less electricity
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Feeding a family of 3 on less
Last night I made a meal of baked salmon, sweet potatoes, rice and sauteed mushrooms.
Anytime we go to the Chinese food restaurant, Lu loves the mushrooms, can't get enough of them. So since attempting to make health a priority and trying to eat more fruits and veggies, I've started making them myself when the mushrooms start to brown.
What makes this meal less? Why how much I made.
The salmon was on sale at the local Foodland for $1 for a fillet. They were individually wrapped. Lu doesn't eat a lot so her and I share one.
I used one sweet potato. I peeled and chopped and boiled. Then when finished, I mashed with butter, maple syrup and some walnuts. YUM!!!
I made up one cup of rice (the 10 kg bag was $8.99 at the local Foodland).
Lastly the mushrooms, which would have gone bad had I not quartered them and fried them up in butter.
So in total I think our supper cost us maybe $6.00.
Tonight, we're feasting on two frozen pizzas, one was $2.88 and the other $3.49. Yay for sales. (It's a music lesson night!)
Anytime we go to the Chinese food restaurant, Lu loves the mushrooms, can't get enough of them. So since attempting to make health a priority and trying to eat more fruits and veggies, I've started making them myself when the mushrooms start to brown.
What makes this meal less? Why how much I made.
The salmon was on sale at the local Foodland for $1 for a fillet. They were individually wrapped. Lu doesn't eat a lot so her and I share one.
I used one sweet potato. I peeled and chopped and boiled. Then when finished, I mashed with butter, maple syrup and some walnuts. YUM!!!
I made up one cup of rice (the 10 kg bag was $8.99 at the local Foodland).
Lastly the mushrooms, which would have gone bad had I not quartered them and fried them up in butter.
So in total I think our supper cost us maybe $6.00.
Tonight, we're feasting on two frozen pizzas, one was $2.88 and the other $3.49. Yay for sales. (It's a music lesson night!)
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Homemade Chicken Stock and Chicken soup
You may be asking yourself, what does chicken soup have to do with the 7 goals for 2014. Well in many ways it's one way to achieve a number of my goals for this year.
For one, by making chicken stock, I'm creating something that is healthy for my family. Commercial chicken stocks are usually packed full of msg (Maybe not packed, but when you have an allergy to, and a disgust for, it might as well be packed full) and usually include non-natural ingredients and preservatives. My homemade chicken stock is made with real ingredients that you can pronounce and find in your pantry or produce drawer.
Not to mention, making my own chicken stock is less costly than buying chicken stock at the store. I paid less than $2 for the chicken backs, used two stalks of celery, one carrot and an onion. Pretty sure my 3+ litres of chicken stock was more affordable than the 1 L cartons would have been at the grocery store. (I wouldn't know though, because I don't buy them).
Oh and life is simpler with real ingredients. :)
So, I think I did well! ha ha
Last night I made 13.5 cups of homemade chicken stock. I made this by simply boiling chicken backs with rough chopped (large pieces) of celery, onion, carrots and garlic, some coarse salt and parsley.
The results were quite yummy. I packed 6 cups into the freezer (with my hubby's help). So, now we have chicken stock for a variety of future uses. The other 7.5 cups was used to make tonight's supper: Chicken Root Soup! (named appropriately by my hubby).
I didn't need to add as much salt as I did when making the soup, it turned out quite salty, and unfortunately I'm notorious for not measuring when I cook. oops!
Now soup is a very affordable meal to make. And on a day as cold as today, it is very yummy and good for the tummy.
These are some of the ingredients:
- 1-2 carrots, chopped small
- sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- regular potato, cubed (I peeled)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine,
-7.5 cups chicken stock
- 1-2 tbsp. butter
- 1-2 tsp coarse salt
- handful of dried parsley
- 1 large bay leaf
- pepper
Melt butter in bottom of soup pan.
Add carrots, celery and onion and coarse salt. Allow to cook and let out juices from veggies.
See those yummy juices?
Add garlic and sprinkle pepper on top then cover with enough stock to fully cover veggies.
Add remaining stock, spices and potatoes. Bring to boil then reduce temperature to low/simmer.
Cook until potatoes are tender.
Remember to remove bay leaf before serving. Eat and enjoy!
For one, by making chicken stock, I'm creating something that is healthy for my family. Commercial chicken stocks are usually packed full of msg (Maybe not packed, but when you have an allergy to, and a disgust for, it might as well be packed full) and usually include non-natural ingredients and preservatives. My homemade chicken stock is made with real ingredients that you can pronounce and find in your pantry or produce drawer.
Not to mention, making my own chicken stock is less costly than buying chicken stock at the store. I paid less than $2 for the chicken backs, used two stalks of celery, one carrot and an onion. Pretty sure my 3+ litres of chicken stock was more affordable than the 1 L cartons would have been at the grocery store. (I wouldn't know though, because I don't buy them).
Oh and life is simpler with real ingredients. :)
So, I think I did well! ha ha
Last night I made 13.5 cups of homemade chicken stock. I made this by simply boiling chicken backs with rough chopped (large pieces) of celery, onion, carrots and garlic, some coarse salt and parsley.
The results were quite yummy. I packed 6 cups into the freezer (with my hubby's help). So, now we have chicken stock for a variety of future uses. The other 7.5 cups was used to make tonight's supper: Chicken Root Soup! (named appropriately by my hubby).
I didn't need to add as much salt as I did when making the soup, it turned out quite salty, and unfortunately I'm notorious for not measuring when I cook. oops!
Now soup is a very affordable meal to make. And on a day as cold as today, it is very yummy and good for the tummy.
These are some of the ingredients:
And the rest (minus the spices):
- 1 onion, chopped small
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped small- 1-2 carrots, chopped small
- sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- regular potato, cubed (I peeled)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine,
-7.5 cups chicken stock
- 1-2 tbsp. butter
- 1-2 tsp coarse salt
- handful of dried parsley
- 1 large bay leaf
- pepper
Thursday, January 2, 2014
It's a New Year, time to make those resolutions.
Yesterday I touched a bit on Facebook about resolutions. It looked like this:
"New year resolutions? Well, most years it is to get healthier, exercise more and lose weight. This year the weight loss will just have to wait...but today I WILL get more exercise climbing the stairs to put away all of this laundry, after it's folded of course. Then it's go time for the Christmas decorations! It's been fun, but it's time! Have a great first day of 2014 with all of your loved ones. Make it special! Even if you're still doing daily chores like I am!"
"New year resolutions? Well, most years it is to get healthier, exercise more and lose weight. This year the weight loss will just have to wait...but today I WILL get more exercise climbing the stairs to put away all of this laundry, after it's folded of course. Then it's go time for the Christmas decorations! It's been fun, but it's time! Have a great first day of 2014 with all of your loved ones. Make it special! Even if you're still doing daily chores like I am!"
I am happy to say that I did get it all folded. Plus a couple more loads. I have more to fold today however. Such is the life of a stay at home mom and housewife...
But this brings me to the point of my post today: Resolutions.
I normally hate resolutions. I rarely follow through, and they are usually the same year after year.
I'm hoping this year however will be different (I'm sure I've said that before). 2013 was a crazy year, but it was also a year with many blessings. 2014 may be the year that we turn things around.
For the month of January I propose to devote my blogging to not only voice my goals for 2014, but to come up with some clear plans about how I will achieve those goals. We need to have steps to achieve our goals, or we'll never get there. Maybe that is why my "resolutions" never panned out before.
My Goals for 2014:
1. Get finances in order. (This is a big one and a must, with a new baby on the way, and only one income!)
2. Become more organized. (This one is very difficult for me!)
3. Make health a priority. (Notice I didn't say lose weight!)
4. Grow a garden and preserve for Winter (in a way this goes with goal 1, but gardening is a huge part of my heritage, so I want to make this a separate goal).
5. Spend more quality time as a family.
6. Less technology.
7. Live a simpler "greener" life.
I reserve the right to add to this list at any time during the year!
What goals did you make for 2014? How do you plan to achieve these goals?
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