Summer Treat

Frozen Strong Coffee Ice Cubes+Milk+Ice=Summer Treat!

(You can also add mint and chocolate, just chocolate, vanilla, or whatever else!)

Project Life Swap & Healthy Cookies

Do any of you do the new style of scrapbooking with the Project Life System?  Basically, it simplifies the whole process by having you slide in your photos, and uses these remade journaling cards that you can write on and embellish.  I love them.  I love them for using in my new planner as little list makers, and for also using as quick notes to someone.  

This one is a different brand than Project Life, but I have more cards than I need.  I get sick of the same designs, and they give you 3 or 4 of each!  

Does anyone else have this problem?  If so, I'd LOVE TO DO A SWAP WITH YOU!!   I have been looking online, because I can't be the only one who has thought of this.  If you know of an online swap, please send me a link:)

And as I mentioned a few posts ago, I am eating a little more healthy.  And I found this recipe, which I am SURE you have seen if you are on pinterest at all... The call it "Healthy Cookies, only 3 ingredients!"    We made them.  They SUCK.  OMG, they are so gross, and the kids and I were laughing at how gross they were, until Tate had the idea to leave a note for Paul, who eats everything.

It is basically ripe bananas, oats, and dried fruit.  Do you know what they taste like?  Bananas, oats, and dried fruit but drier.   A bit like mud.  I like healthy food usually, but your eyes say cookie, and your mouth is like "What in the hell is this?"

On a yummier note, FROZEN PINEAPPLE+COCONUT MILK+HONEY+OJ=deliciousness.

Add maraschino cherries, and a little cherry juice and it is downright Spring Break Yummy.
(Paul added Rum to his.)

The cold weather has made me Squishy.

When it is cold, it is no surprise that I want warm, yummy food.  But when it is really cold, I want warm yummy HEAVY food.  It has been freezing.  This does not take away from my enjoyment of winter, but I do not like when I carry extra poundage.  I don't, however, diet.  It is evil.  I do, however, change what I eat and increase my movement when things are feeling heavy.  I think all this planning ahead with the meals helps, too!  I eat better, as does the familia, and we spend less time going out to eat.

Here are some things that I have been enjoying when I need to eat leaner...

Only 108 calories, but so filling.

This idea is from my friend, Bella.  Roast a veggie in the morning for the week.  You can use it with any dish to build up quantity of food with lower calorie content.  You can use zucchini, beets, any squash, cauliflower, even potatoes.

butternut squash+olive oil+onion+brownsugar+s&p.

I have finally figured out how to love Crock Pot Chicken.  I used chicken breasts, Bone on, skin on.  I crocked with onion, spices, broth, and msg free bouillon.  CROCK FOR ONLY 6 hrs on low.  It saves it from turning out all dry tasting.  It was perfectly cooked.  (In the past, I always let it go all day...and it has that dry grainy texture.) I shredded it, removing all the bones and skin, and then spooned in some of the broth to keep it moist.

You can use this in a chicken pie, in a brown rice bowl, with pasta, in a tortilla....whatever.  This is good protein that tastes good, and was minimal effort.

150 calorie snack.  You won't be hungry afterwards.

Here are some other ideas, but unfortunately I do not have photos!  Sometimes, I am just trying to fit in the eating before the next request for a story, playdough, or painting with Ms. S.

• Imitation Crab 1/2C+ Salsa 1/4C+ 1/2 Avocado+Green onion+Lettuce
• Imitation Crab+Yogurt Dressing+Cucumber+Lettuce+Green onion
• Butternut Squash+Chicken Sausage+Brown Rice+Spinach
• Brown Rice+White Beans+Garlic+Carrot+Spinach
• Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce+White Beans+Roasted Veggies
• Butternut Squash Soup+Ham Chunks+Avocado Chunks
• Refried Pinto Beans+Tortilla+Taco Sauce (only 300 calories, and easy to freeze)
• Egg+Low Fat English Muffin+Ham Slice+Dijon Mustard (also easy to freeze)
• Blueberries 1/2C+ Oatmeal 1/2C+1 TBS pecans+cinnamon

Meal Planning--I'm trying again!

I've spoken many times, (in conversations, on Facebook, and on this blog) about how Meal Planning helps my life out in a huge way, when I TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT.  Yet, for some reason, I do it once, and then go back to my bad habits of waiting until the last minute, which leads to take-out or the kids having pasta way too often.

This month, I was inspired by someone on my Facebook who seriously took on "Once A Month Meals".  The idea behind this, is that you cook for ALL DAY, prep and prepare a ridiculous amount of food, making it easy for you to feed your family for the entire month.  This woman kept posting photos of her progress, getting me more and more excited with each photo.  (Ok, the clean up photo was daunting, but the pay off seems worth it!)

My kids are picky.  BUT, I thought that this is worth a try in some form to do at my casa.  Instead of once a month, though, I have been trying this out for the week, and then a little extra.  It works wonderfully.

Things that work great:
1.  Fruit Salads using Bonne Maman Jars
2.  Lettuce Chopped up and put in Quart (wide) Mason Jars
3.  Pasta Meat-cooked, seasoned, frozen in bags
4.  Chicken Pot Pie*
5.  Pork Chops prepped for Crock Pot (in freezer bags)
6.  Veggies for Pot Roast/Roasted Chicken (in freezer bags)
7.  Breakfast Burritos (Egg, Bean and Potato)
8.  Bean Burritos
9.  Taco Meat (half turkey/half beef)
10.  Meatballs

*This was a favorite amongst those who ate it.  (That would not be my children, as they hate any sort of gravy.)

Waldorf School Bread

I just searched for a SOLID HOUR for a post (with a bread recipe) from long ago.  Now, if I couldn't find it, there is no way in hell anyone else is going to find it either.  Also, I had to remind myself at some point, that I have the recipe memorized, so I could stop obsessing as I looked.  (But I just know it is somewhere, as I have sent the link to many a person!!)

Anyway, my kids both started their education in Waldorf schools.  We were lucky to have connected and/or attended 3 different schools, and have been part of online (ironically) homeschool groups, even though my kids go to public school.  (If you don't know what Waldorf school is, google it because google can give a much better description than I ever could!)

Ok, back to my story...  At all of the Waldorf schools that we have been a part of,  they make this wonderful homemade brown bread as part of the early years curriculum.  That bread with butter and honey on top, as you drink a little tea=complete bliss.  The bread is made with whole wheat flour, which creates a very filling yummy bun, which my dad refers to as "those 2 lbs rolls you make".

Many friends have asked for the recipe, when they try it at my house.  Tate, who is 9, can make the bread by himself, but chooses to let Mama make it, while he steals bit of dough from the kitchen.  Without further ado, here is the recipe:

WALDORF SCHOOL BREAD

2 TBS yeast
1 C warm water
1 stick butter
1 TBS salt
1-2 TBS honey
2 C milk
1 C hot water
4 C whole wheat flour
4 C white flour
*optional: cinnamon, sunflower seeds, nuts, raisins, any spices you like


2 TBS yeast+1 C warm water+teeny bit of honey.
Set aside.
In another large bowl, add:
1 stick of butter (8TBS) room temp+TBS salt+large wooden spoon dollop of honey.
Heat 2 C of milk and add 1 C hot water.
Pour over butter+salt+honey.  Stir with wooden spoon until butter is melted.
When mixture is cool enough to keep finger in for 10 seconds, add yeast mixture and mix.
Add 4 cups of whole wheat flour.  (Mix well with wooden spoon after each cup)
Add about 4 cups of white flour.  (Keep adding slowly until dough is formed.)
Set aside in warm place for 30 minutes.
Add enough white flour to knead the dough* until smooth and form into little rolls.
Bake 350F for 25-30 min.

*Knead the dough for a few minutes.  This is forgiving, as 2-5 year olds usually knead their own bread and it always turns out.

Making little buns out of the dough

Kneading the dough

Yes, those are Mr. Potato Head glasses. 

Hot Weather Eats or Snackapalooza

In the summer, the kids eat around the clock.  We don't stick to our normal schedule as much, and therefore eat a lot of "snacks".  I think Soleil's middle name might be snack, as she constantly asks for one.  Here is a few things we have been noshing on.  Because of the heat, I try to use the crock pot as much as possible.  This is also allows us to eat at any time, keeping the food warm for later eaters.  

This salad is from Panera, and one of my favorites.  I took a photo so that I might make it at home.  (It hasn't happened yet.) 

 Chicken+Romaine+Strawberries+Blueberries+Pineapples+Pecans+Mandarin Oranges+Dressing

 Tomatoes+Basil+Fresh Mozzarella Pearls+Cucumbers.  I added celery as well, but it doesn't go.

Early Summer Fun 2014

I made a little craft kit for the little girls of a good friend.  The girls and his wife are super crafty, so I knew I just had to send them a fun little packet!  It had stickers inside, small kits, extra craft supplies, bits of paper.  Their eldest is the same age as Tate, 8/9, so I knew she could handle a little stitching, so I added a stitched felt kit.  (Sidenote: Tate is doing stitchery in art class and finds it delightful!)

This kit was super easy to make.  2 felt hearts (cut with pinking shears), a little stuffing, a needle and embroidery thread.  I threaded the needle so that it would be ready to go, and she had it finished while we were all waiting for brunch at a restaurant!  

Soleil was not about to be left out of any sort of crafting.  Thank goodness I made her a fairy kit as well as my friends' girls.  She was so excited to put it together. 

Doll Clothespins+circles of scrap fabric and felt-small "x" cut in center+yarn or wool for hair+ribbon piece for shirt+wings cut from cardstock+pipe cleaner for arms+marker for face and feet.

And since it has been 90F, playing in the hose an sprinklers are almost expected.
(When you do this at other people's houses, you might have to walk home, shirtless, dripping wet, and in a Cars towel.)

Frozen treat on a hot day!!  

Frozen pineapple+splash of almond milk+squirt of honey+water as needed.  

Sunday Cook Ahead Day

I've said it before, and I will say it many more times again... Life is way easier if I plan meals out ahead.  (And yet, I still don't do it every week! What is wrong with me??)

Here is the plan for this week, on last week's planning sheet, because I am lazy.

Brunch Bake--I made it ahead of time, and I can reheat each morning.  I don't like sweet breakfasts, and it is hard to make eggs every morning.  Because it is all ready to go, I will actually eat breakfast and/or avoid buying a bfast sandwich while I am out.

Brunch Bake Recipe: 

Scoop of Cream Cheese+1/4 C milk heated and mixed. 

Add 8 eggs (when cooled) and beat.  

Add veggies, fresh herbs, ham or sausage, s&p,  cheese if you like it.  

Bake for 30 minutes at 350F/180C

Here is the Waldorf School Chicken Recipe.  It is amazingly easy and yummy!!

I am stealing this from another parent.  Every week, one night a week, they have Pu Pu Dinner.  (Like a poo poo platter!)  Every one gets to choose what ever they want, to make their own little bites of yumminess as long as most of the food groups are involved.  Parents are also served wine with their Pu Pu platter/antipasti tray.  

(Or Poo Poo Platter, as we will call it in this house.  Emphasis on the POO, for giggles.) 

And while I was at it, prepping all the veggies for the weeks meals, I decided to pack some salads that are ready to go for me.  I just cut up whatever veggies, herbs, fruit, & nuts I had and put it together.  (Keep the dressing off until ready to eat to prevent getting soggy.)

Costco and Lemons!

We recently went with another family to Costco.  Being a small family, it always seemed like a waste to me--we barely get through the food we buy at the grocery store, so larger quantites seem like way too much.  However, when we split a few items, like the big carton of meyer lemons that they had there, it makes sense.  And I love meyer lemons!!

If you are regular reader, you will know that Soleil LOVES making lemon bars.  (Don't promise the girl that you will make them on a particular day.  She will remind you and remind you and remind you, much like a cat who has run out of catfood!!)

A friend of mine gave the greatest idea:  grate the zest and juice the lemons and FREEZE IT!!  I used little ice cube containers (from ikea) to freeze the juice, and froze the zest separately.  Now I have it in small quantities whenever I need it!

 I put some of the zest in the shortbread part of the recipe AND some in the curd portion.  They were VERY lemony.  (Paul thought they weren't sweet enough, while I thought they were perfect.)   I used Bakerella's recipe, using white sugar instead of powdered, because I was out of the latter.

 Here is all the leftover juice after it has been frozen and popped out into a freezer bag.

Too Early for Valentine's Day?

Earl Grey Tea Latte. (pinterest recipe)

Dollar Store Felt Heart+Glue Dots+Canvas

More Dollar Store Hearts on the window, decorated by Soleil.  (She HAD to have them.) Here is her craft desk with a V Day craft invitation of glitter (yes, I am crazy), glue, and pink and red sticker gems.  It is out for her to do whenever she wants.  Yes, there is glitter all over the floor, in case you were wondering.

 Me on Sunday.  

I attempted to make hearts out of carrots for Soleil's soup (another pinterest idea).  It is harder than it seems!

Another pinterest recipe, and a total hit!! It is the bread that you mix up the day before andpop into a hot Le Creuset type pot the next morning.  It was PERFECT. 

My not-so-shy child denying me a photo.  The heart is made from a felted sweater. 

Cold Weather means Warm & Cozy Food.

My recipes are usually simple, with the ingredients listed in order of use.  Message me if you want more detail, I am happy to help!

So easy, so satisfying, ate it for breakfast because I was out of oatmeal. 

 This was one of the rare times that I didn't use the McCormick packet.  It was SO MUCH BETTER.

1. Marinate Top Sirloin with Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, S&P
2. Olive Oil+Butter+ Top Sirloin.  Brown meat, set aside
3. Onion+Mushrooms+more S&P+Tarragon+a little water (to cook mushrooms through).
4. Add Meat back into pot.
5. Cream of Mushroom Soup+1/2 Cup Water+ Squirt of Ketchup (Trust Me!)
6. Simmer until Meat is tender and cooked through.  (I cooked for 40 min, but doesn't need to.)
7. Finish with scoop of Sour Cream.
8.  Serve over Noodles.

Best Leftover Turkey Ever.

1.  Olive Oil+Butter+Onion+Carrots+Celery (cook until starting to soften.)
2.  TBS of Flour+Leftover Turkey+S&P+Poultry Seasoning+Splash of Wine
3.  Chicken Broth+1/2 Milk (Bring to Boil, then simmer to thicken)
4. Leftover Rutabaga (optional)+Cooked Cheese Ravioli
5.  Finish with Chicken Bouillon to Taste.  You could also add cream, if you want thicker.

I fill the leftover soup into these jars, leftover from Bonne Maman Jam, which is my favorite.  They freeze well and hold just the right amount of soup for cold days:)

Veggie Meal & Gift Bags

Yes.  This feels nice.... I won't go on and on regarding the last post, but I will say that
1.  It was hard to stay off FB.
2.  I did REALLY enjoy blogs that I went to yesterday.
3.  Blogging is a little bit about carving time out for yourself, which is great.

Right now, it is me and a cup of coffee and my computer, and the kids are reading Christmas books together before we walk to school.  :)  This is awesome.

Now on to today's post....

I was craving white beans.  Here is a very simple, veggie recipe that is quick and delicious.
Carrots+green onion+celery+mushrooms+a little oil+salt&pepper.  Sautee until starting to soften.

 Then add broth.  (I used chicken, obviously NOT vegetarian, but what I had.)   And then add canned white beans and more seasoning of your choice.  I used garlic powder, salt and pepper.

 Cook until warmed through, veggies are a little soft, and more of liquid has bubbled away.  I sometimes add more broth at the end so that it is more like a soup.

Ready to eat!!

 And I made these for my friend, Kat Knupp.  She inspires me to be a better environmentalist each day:)  I stitched up fabric like long pillow cases, with hemmed edges.  I then attached a ribbon to the back, to be tied around the middle after it has been filled.  The middle bag was made drawstring style, which I like the best.  Also, that one is made from felt because I LOVE FELT.  (I have a slight felt addiction.)  You can pull on the ribbons on the side and pull, and the contents will be secured inside.
I hope to make more of these before the holiday season is over!  xo cat