Impromptu Spring Photo Shoot

We went to have lunch on the job site with Dad today and it turned into an impromptu photo shoot. The weather was perfect, the house and yard were beautiful, I happened to have my camera, and the kiddos happened to look particularly sharp :) So here are a few...

Macisms

Mac is a funny little guy. When I was telling my mom some of the things he said the other day, she reminded me that I should be writing them down because I certainly will forget. So I am going to start recording them here.

Mac calls real race cars "the cars without eyes."

After seeing the Vitamin Water comercial with the pillow headed man talking about "his lady" Mac said to me, "Mommy, I'm going to have a wady (his way of saying lady) one day." Imagine my surprise. I said, "Excuse me?" He went on to explain and then said, "But will you and Daddy still live with us?" When I assured him that he truly wouldn't want us to live with them he said, "But will you come to our wedding?" I have no idea where he gets this stuff.

He told me the other day as we were driving that "Red lights don't exists." When I disagreed and showed him that factually, they do, he told me that no, in fact they didn't because God said so....We then had to talk about how its not ok to make up things about God...

My Holiday Conundrum

Here we are again...Another holiday rolls around and I am once again in a dilemma, minor as it may be at this point in our family.
I have this thing about holidays...Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and even Valentines--There is just a sense of mindlessness when it comes to celebrations, and to be frank, it just gets on my nerves. To celebrate something and to not even consider why, or if your celebration is fitting to what you are celebrating? I mean Christmas! Here we have this time of year that is meant to be a celebration of the fact that God saved humanity by taking on human form and walking this sin-filled Earth, just because he loves us--to save US!! Can we grasp how terrifying it must have been before Jesus, how bad it was?!? There was no hope! and here we have it-Hope is born! and we, as believers have set aside a time to celebrate this, but somehow it has been reduced to an old, fat man being flown around the world by reindeer, dropping off excessive gifts at our homes, and the right wreath on our door, and going into debt to compete with the neighbors "Santa Claus abilities." It's just disgraceful! Ok, ok, ok...I know-Its all in fun. I do enjoy the "holiday season" with all the lights and trees and whatnot, I really do! I mean we have Christmas trees. And Christmas music sure is cheerful and fun and brings back warm, fuzzy memories. I've got no beef with Santa Claus. I mean it's not his fault (cause he doesn't have soul and all). I sure did appreciate him as a kid. But I think I would have been just as pleased if I thought my parents had gotten me all of those gifts and done so simply because they loved me, not because some strange man had watch me be 'a good girl.' I mean isn't that a beautiful reflection of what God did for us through Christs' birth? He sent us this gift because he loves us, not because we have done anything to deserve it, because deserve it we certainly do not.
Halloween--I will not go into detail right now, but on what planet is death (ie skeletons and ghost in your yard) cute and fun? Try explaining to your two year old why your neighbor has a headstone and an arm sticking out of the ground. I mean lets just take a moment and think about what we are celebrating. Oh yeah, what is it again???
Valentines--Isn't it clear (as it is to me with all of these holidays) that people are, at every corner, just trying to get your money!! However, this one is no big deal, if the kids need to give their classmates valentines cards-we'll have the cutest and cleverest ones in the class :)
Easter-May be the worst of all for me-Mac and I had a very honest conversation about Easter yesterday and it went really well. I asked him what Easter was about and to my great surprise he said Jesus. We got into the specifics of it all and why we have a celebration that we call Easter and the more I talked, the more excited he got...it was wonderful and genuine. I told him that some people would probably say things about the Easter bunny as though he were real, or important, but he's not and he certainly has nothing to do with Easter (I am FAR less tolerant of this large, egg carrying bunny than I am of Santa Clause...I mean ....WHAT??) Because once again, what was meant to be a celebration of the fact that Jesus died so we wouldn't have to spend an eternity in hell, and then miraculously came back to life, (defeated death!) has become more about a crazy bunny hiding eggs in your yard...well, my words are too harsh and I can think of a nice way to say it so I will stop there...
So what is the dilemma?? Well, simply this. I don't have any problem at all with my kids going door to door asking for candy, or looking for eggs in our yard (which will never be put there by a large rabbit) because those things are fun and I don't want our kids to resent the true celebration because they are missing the 'fun' parts, and I don't want them to miss the 'fun' parts. But I am also bothered by trying to combine the cultural celebration with the believer's celebration because that is just like saying, the real reason isn't really that exciting so we'll add a little mindless fun to it. It's like being lukewarm, and that I do not want to be.
So what is the answer? How do you steer away from the cultural bastardization of joyful Christ-centered celebrations while not causing your children to be resentful because of missing out? Also, just a note-my desire in all of this is to NOT be legalistic about it. I am in no way opposed to egg hunts or trick-or-treating, I'm just not yet at ease with how to incorporate them into our lives. As I said, not a big issue now, but I want to wrap my head around it as soon as I can, because obviously (and you can confirm this with my mother) it bothers me. Wisdom welcomed...

The Road to Cloth Diapering

Lily playing around in her FuzziBunz Diaper

I guess now that I have the chance to win 9 free cloth diapers, I will go ahead and out myself. Over the last couple of months I have been working to switch Lily over completely to cloth diapers. Yes, I know, I've really lost it now. No, in fact it is not as bad as you think. Cloth diapering has become a whole world of its own and is not anything like it used to be. So I know this decision needs an explanation so here it goes.
I thought about cloth diapering for about 5 seconds before I had Mac and then said, "Um, no." Before I had Lily, I ran across this article, and actually considered it pretty heartily, but was simply too intimidated and overwhelmed (as I tend to get by new ideas) and continued down Huggies lane. The part of the article that really got me was this:
"Disposable diapers contain PVCs and SAPs (super absorbent polymers; these are the gel crystals you’ve likely seen when a sposie has “exploded” on your baby). SAPs were removed from tampons during the 1980s because of their link to toxic shock syndrome, but are still used in disposable diapers. Both of these chemicals have been banned in the European market, but are still used in the United States."

I had seen these crystal like things on Mac before when I changed his diaper and had no idea what they were. So this revelation made me consider, but somehow managed to push it to the back of my mind. Probably mostly because right when I had Lily I figured out how to get disposables super cheap, I never paid more than $5.oo a pack--so that made it even easier to not think about.

I realized a few months ago that I needed to do some soul searching when it came time to be diapering another baby because I am no longer bothered by poop and I knew cloth diapering would be overall better, but I thought I would have to do some serious self-motivating before I went down that road. Then I thought--Well why don't I go ahead and get practice on Lily! That thought lingered for a good month until I stocked up on about 100 disposable diapers and within 4 diaper changes I found the SAP crystals on Lily every time!! And it gave her a horrible rash which didn't heal for a week! At that moment I said "THAT'S IT!" I was on the hunt that day for other things to wrap her bottom in!

It has been a long, and overwhelming process. Not the actual diaper changing at all...that is easy! Just soaking up all of the information and trying to make a good investment (because it is an investment!)

But so far I really love it, it is not hard, and there are so many resources out there to make it even easier. I have been very blessed to run across Kelly's Closet and The Cloth Diaper Whisperer. Right now The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away 9 free cloth diapers in honor of Kelly's Closet's 9th anniversary. This post has been something I have been planning to write about and now is partly an attempt to win the diapers because it sure would help me make my complete conversion! But if you think you might want to cloth diaper as well I encourage you to check out the giveaway and enter because what a great place to start!!

She's so happy about her cloth diapers! And I had to put this picture up...I wouldn't like it if someone showed a picture of just my bum.

I can do without: 1. Refined Sugar

In explanation of our daily food lives, I've decided to start with some of the main things we have decided to stay away from. I'll list them here and give my explanations, information and alternatives one day at a time.
I can do without...
1. refined sugar
2. white flour
3. vegetable oils
4. preservatives
5. artificial flavors and colorings
6. grain-fed meat
7. pesticide treated fruits and vegetables

1. Refined Sugar (sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin): Let me start off by saying that of all of the things I have entertained the thought of letting go of over the past couple of years, this one was like the "yeah, it's not gonna happen" one. I like sweets. Always have. Who doesn't? I mean if I had a nickle for every Sweettart or homemade chocolate chip cookie I have eaten in my life...well...I'd be headed for a shopping spree at Target. But when I realized that not only did it not add anything good to me, it is actually hazardous to mine and my family's health, I changed my tune. And it probably made it easier that there are natural sweeteners readily available that I have learned to use in sweets and desserts that are seriously delicious. And since I have not been eating refined sugars, I hardly ever want sugar!

No one is surprised to hear that sugar is not good for you. I think this has past debate and moved over into the fact column. But the question remains just how bad for you is it? We are obviously not convinced of its power because we keep consuming it at the average rate of 53 teaspoons a day! Not only does sugar have no nutritional value whatsoever, it also has many adverse side effects. It robs our bodies of valuable assets such as minerals, enzymes, and vitamins, especially B-vitamins which work in us to promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, muscle tone and cardiovascular function. Refined sugar also creates blood-sugar imbalance which effects mental function, physical energy, and emotional stability. Studies have also shown that sugar is effective in weakening the immune system and is a source of fuel for cancer and tumors. So not only does it not make us better, it makes us worse! Some researchers have said that there is no other food that contributes to as many health problems, while others have even classified it as a poison!

The good news! There are sweeteners occurring naturally that can be used in place of refined sugars. They are pure maple syrup, raw unfiltered honey, Rapadura, or molasses. There is also Stevia which is not good for baking, but good to use as a sweetener in coffee or cereals and such. You need proof? Well I have successfully made chocolate chip cookies, muffins, chocolate coffee cake, oatmeal peanut butter cookies, and ice cream all without the use of refined sugar.

Do not turn to artificial sweeteners (as it is pretty clear that nothing artificial is beneficial). They are linked to cancer, weight gain, increased cravings for sweets, diabetes, MS, and migraines among other serious ailments. So read the labels on all of your store bought food. I imagine you will find one or more of these artificial sweeteners. I say chunk it, but it's up to you! Just please don't feed it to my kids :)

I'll post recipes later-if you bug me I might do it sooner :)

Food: An Amazing Gift from God

I mentioned in an earlier post that our family has been experiencing a lot of changes. One of the main changes is how we think about and consume food. At first thought it seems so strange the power that food has over humans. We battle with it, have love-hate relationships with it, it comforts us, it angers us, it makes us happy, it makes us sad. We try to act indifferent to it and then we keep coming back for more. Why can't we control it?? "IT'S JUST FOOD!" we cry. Really?? Just food?? Food: the very thing that sustains us day to day, that nourishes us, that we would die without. The need for food is one of very few things that every human on the planet has in common. So why the constant struggle?
I have a fair amount of nutrition knowledge. Since I was a teenager I have read about and studied nutrition and explored different schools of thought on nutrition and diet, but somehow, it just never all clicked. This would be evidenced by the constant fluctuation of my weight for a good 14 years. All of the sudden its like a light bulb came on and for the first time in my life I feel like I have a correct and healthy view of food.
First and foremost it is a perfect gift from God. In his creation he has provided for us all that we need and he created different foods for different purposes. They all add something to us nutritionally and in some cases even emotionally.
Never in history have a people had so many food options at their disposal every second of the day. At any time we can ingest a bag of artificially fruit-flavored gell filled things or maybe some genetically modified organisms masquarading as animal shaped, cheese flavored crackers. And what does that add to our bodies? Unfortunatly nothing is not the answer. The answer is a lot of bad if we are willing to be honest about it. And we know that the creators of these convenience foods didn't create them for our good, but rather for their bank accounts. The love of (and possibly need for) convenience has led us to abuse the very thing that keeps us alive, not to mention help add to our obesity problems.
When we think of food as a gift, as something that is meant to make us better, we hardly have a choice but to love it, respect it and most of all enjoy it!
I wish I had a before and after picture of our pantry. My friends who have seen it before and after actually laughed. Last year I was in stock up on all of the free-by-coupon stuff. My pantry was overflowing (and I mean overflowing) with food that frankly, I would have never wanted to buy in the first place, and did nothing for my family's health. Now it is sparse with only the things that we want and make us feel better. All of this and we are all feeling a thousand times better, have loads more energy, and my husband and I have been consistently (and it seems to us inexplicably) losing weight. Why is it inexplicable? Because we are eating a lot of butter, cream, whole milk, whole grains, bread, meat, fruits and vegetables. Nope I am not lying...we are enjoying the things that God has blessed us with and not trying to satisfy ourselves with things that man has decided that they can make better. I get asked for specifics of our diet and how we eat and I will definitely post that soon. Right now I will leave you with some of the resources that helped us move in this direction and have helped us along as we seek to nourish our bodies and our children's bodies.
Food, Inc. This documentary is definitely eye-opening and a potential life-changer. I've encountered those who are afraid to watch it, but I highly encourage it.
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon; This is a cookbook, but chock full of shocking information that goes against most of what we have been told about food. It's really the first piece of work I've read about nutrition that really makes sense to me in light of my view of God. And let me go on the record--she and I are not on the same page when it comes to God and spirituality.
The Weston A. Price Foundation; Check it out. It's got a lot of invaluable information
Passionate Homemaking; This is a blog that I began following over a year ago and where I was first encouraged to really consider the benefits of a more natural diet. But she really does a good job of breaking down the pertinent information. It is full of ideas and resources.

Pu-lease!

Have you seen anything so cute? Take a skip over to Amoretti to enter and win one of these oh so precious and original dresses.

Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit Giveaway!

Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit Giveaway! And while we are on natural remedies...hop on over to one of my daily web stops and enter to win this!

Sambucol...Anyone, Anyone?

So... funny enough, a while back I got a bunch of Sambucol (a black elderberry cold and flu relief tablet) for free from Walgreen's with a sale and coupons. My husband has used it several time and has been happy with the results, but I'm interested to know what other people think about it and just to get a little more information about it in general. I have read a lot of good things about the power of elderberry, but know little about it myself. When I was buying it, I asked the pharmacist if she knew anything about it and she told me that she "stays away from that kind of stuff"... She couldn't really explain what kind of stuff she was talking about, so I decided I would just move on to someone else. So if any of you out there use it and have some thoughts about it please leave a comment for me...I would really appreciate it!

A Different Direction

Since the beginning of the year life in this particular home has been changing drastically and rapidly...all in very positive ways. Somewhere around the new year it seemed that we were bombarded with loads of information that catapulted us into a journey of sorts to live a little differently. We've really been convicted about a myriad of things- most of all making it a priority to take care of our bodies and all that we have been given on this planet. This includes attempting to eat more natural and whole foods (throwing my whole couponing system and ridiculously low food budget for a loop) and trying to create less waste and live in such a way that is sustainable. These are all things that we have both always been conscious of and before the time of marriage, jobs, and children we practiced these things regularly. With the speed and force with which our lives have changed we somehow moved away from that. But now, when I look at my children, I am convinced that there are few greater gifts and life skills I could give them than to teach them how to take care of themselves, keep their bodies healthy, and take care of the resources they have been given rather than waste them. The information I have been trying to take in has been overwhelming at times, but with the help of my wonderful husband, together we have made some crucial changes that have made us all happier and healthier. I'm getting the hang of it and I KNOW that it will help me to have this spot to put my thoughts together and get some feedback and ideas. So be looking for some interesting and probably surprising topics to come...

I'm Just Sayin...

OK-I know I have made this point before, but I am feeling the need to make it again...

I went to Walgreens today and spent $2.87 + tax on all of this and left with $10 in Register Rewards (which is a coupon you can use on anything at Walgreens). The value of all of is this $44.33 so that is a savings of $41.46



I went to CVS yesterday and spent $4.78 + tax for all of this and left with $5 in Extra Care Bucks (which is like money to be used at CVS). The total value of all of this is $91.44 so that is a savings of $86.68.

So my point is not-WOW! Look how much stuff I got! My point is LOOK AT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPEND! Grocery stores and drug stores GIVE STUFF AWAY! If there is the slightest wish in your heart that you could find a way to save some money, this is where to do it-On your grocery and personal care bills. I went to the grocery store the other day and I got $200 worth of groceries for $60! Right now at Publix you can get 4 cans of Progresso Soup, a big box of Premium Saltines, 4 cans of Pilsbury biscuits, and 4 reusable grocery bags for $3.09. I mean seriously!?!

It's done with a combination of sales, coupons (yes, coupons. For heaven's sake-its just like free money!), and working the stores' loyalty programs. Does it take some work? Yes, it does. But even if you think you don't have the time to get it all together there are SO many websites and blogs out there that do all of the work for you and just tell you (for free!) how and where to get the best deals. Also, once you have shopped like this for a while it just becomes second nature.

Look-If they sell it at CVS or Walgreens-you shouldn't pay more than a few cents for it ever again! (I am super sorry to those of you who do not have access to these stores, but I'd encourage you to check out your local drugstores and see what kind of deals you can find.)

Ok so you might ask--8 deodorants?? Yes, 8 deodorants because I paid $1.43 for them and got back a $10 Register Reward which I will be able to combine with my left over $3 register reward and my $5 off Enfamil formula coupon and pay $6 for a can of formula instead of $24. But, how long will it take you to use 8 deodorants? A super long time considering I don't use that kind of deodorant (I mean, deodorant is really one of those things where you gotta go with what works for you), but I know of a few different people who could use a bag of toiletries and a couple of local organizations who would love the donation.

How to accomplish all of this? Just go here. Jenny at Southern Savers has done a fantastic job of outlining how to shop at the different drug and grocery stores and how she handles coupons among other things. I was blessed beyond belief back in the early Spring to be able to sit down and talk for a long time with a wonderful woman who has been shopping this way for close to 20 years. She shared all of her wisdom and time-tested methods and tips with me and it truly has changed the way I view money, my job in my family, and of course shopping. So I'm always happy to share what I have learned with anyone at any time. I am directing you to Jenny only because she has already done all of leg work.

A lot of people seem to not consider shopping this way because either they think it takes too much time, or that you can't get good products, or maybe they're just too cool for it, but none of that is true! Just give it a try-see how much money you don't spend and you will not want to throw money away ever again!

Like I said--I would love to help or answer questions or heck even go shopping with you if you are in the Bham area.

PS-shopping at drugstores like that can be addicting (no, seriously--just search some blogs and you'll see what I mean) and that's never good, so I encourage you not to look at it as a game, but rather a way to maximize your dollar.

Hot Mexican Soup Brings Me Back

I've had several request for this recipe lately so I figured this would be a good way to deliver it to all at one. Daisy Martinez contributed the original recipe to the September issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray. We have made it probably 10 times and have changed it a bit to suit us. She calls it Mexican Chicken Lime Soup, but that just does not tell the truth about this soup. It has some HEAT! Hot Mexican Soup just seems to be more fitting to me. It is soooooo good and there is something very comforting and healing about it. But just a warning-it may not be for the small ones in your family. We haven't tried it out on ours, and even though he likes spicy food, i think this may be the wrong kind of heat for him. But don't be scared off by all of my talk of hotness...I don't like a lot of spicy heat and I LOVE this so I encourage you to give it a try. Ok here is what we use:

Extra-virgin Olive Oil
3 bone in, skin on chicken breast
Salt
Pepper
1 onion finely chopped
6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (this is where the heat comes from. You can find them in the ethnic aisle at your grocery store)
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
1 avocado, thinly sliced lengthwise
tortilla chips

First let me talk about the chipotle chiles. The original recipe says, "two canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce." However, the first time I made it I read, "two CANS chipotle chiles in adobo sauce." Tragic mistake that led to inedible soup. So be warned-Don't use TWO CANS! You do have two options as to how you want to use them though. You can take two chiles out of the can, chop them finely and then also take out two Tbsp of sauce and throw all of that in the soup. Or you could just throw the whole can of chiles and sauce in the food processor or blender, make a puree and use two Tbsp of that and keep the rest in the fridge for something later. We do the later.

Here's how ya do it:
Put the chicken breasts in a baking dish, cover them with lots of EVOO, salt, and pepper and bake them at 350 for about 40 minutes. When they are done take the skin off and the meat off the bone and shred the chicken. It will probably need just a tad more cooking.

In the pot you use for your soup, heat about 2 Tbsp of EVOO over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until the onion begins to brown-about 7 minutes or so. Add the shredded chicken and cook a little more. Stir in either your 2 chopped chiles and 2 Tbsp of adobo sauce, OR 2 Tbsp of puree. Then stir in your chicken broth. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
To serve place several slices of avocado in each bowl and pour in the soup. Top with tortilla chips.

The whole thing will take less effort than it just took to read all of this. Give it a try-if you don't like it bring it to us...we'll eat it.

I'm back...I think.

So obviously I have taken a vacation from the blogosphere. I, however, am contemplating my return and this is my first step. I have many a clever thing to say right now, but it is 1 am and I am in desperate need of some winks. So...encouragement welcomed...I'll be back.

Home Again, Home Again! (I'm doing a jiggity jig!)

I don't know how it has been so long since my last post! The past month has been a blur with returning to work, but I'm officially in my last couple of hours as a government employ! At 3:00 I will be finished with the '08-'09 school year and on my way home to my family and there to stay! I can't begin to describe how excited I am to know that I don't just get two months at home with my children, but rather unlimited months! So I imagine that I will be better at keep up with this here blog, but we'll see...I'm so excited about the possibilities. Any advice for fun, cheap or free activities for the kids are welcomed!!!

Amoretti

Amoretti Go check out her blog! She is hilarious, insightful, and she gives away the coolest stuff! She is also the maker of some totally adorable and unique dresses and skirts for little gals--and-- "The Skirty!" Go find out what that is and win one!

Recipe Swap Wednesday: Southwestern Sloppy Joes

This is a Weight Watchers recipe and comes along with my weightwatchers.com recommendation! You can find so many fantastic recipes there and it really helps you to learn how to cook and flavor your food with things other than fat.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Canola Oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium garlic cloves, chopped
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 lbs lean ground turkey
7 oz can mexicorn, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 Tbsp dark brown sugar, packed

Heat the oil in a large skillet then cook the onion, garlic, and jalapeno until soft (about 4-5 minutes). Add chili powder and oregano and cook about another minute. Add the turkey and corn and cook until the mixture in nearly dry, about 4 minutes. Stir in the salsa and sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the turkey is cooked through (4-5 minutes).
We eat this on Arnold's Sandwich Thins with a little bit of sour cream on them!

Enjoy :)

Recipe Swap Wednesday (we'll see how long this lasts)

I've had a lot of recipes I've wanted to share lately but haven't...so I figured if I set aside Wednesdays to post them, maybe I will be able to keep up with myself...but...we'll see ;) Also, I would love it if you would leave a comment or a link to your blog with your favorite recipes!

This is my 'tweak' from the Neely's Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken. Any time my husband grills chicken breast, I get him to grill a few extra pieces and then I slice them up and toss them with this pasta:
1 lb dried penne
5-6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3 Tbs Olive Oil
3 Tbs parsley, fresh, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Cook the Pasta, drain, set aside

Heat olive oil in a saute pan or dutch oven, add sliced garlic, red bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Saute until fragrant and peppers begin to get a little soft. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the saute pan or dutch oven and mix it all together. Pour mixture into a serving bowl (or you could leave it in your dutch oven). Pour on the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle the parsley on top (you could definitely use dried if you don't have fresh). Before serving top with Parmesan.
Serves 4-6

Enjoy!

Helpful Blogs

Our recent efforts to be better stewards of our money have been helped out by a few women who take the time each week to share the wisdom they have been given. Here are a few blogs I would recommend that you take a minute to look at.
Southernsavers.com (read her guides to shopping at Walgreens and CVS. If you have any questions about it feel free to email me!)
Faithfulprovisions.com (She lives in Nashville and has such an encouraging perspective on her roles within her family)
hip2save.blogspot.com (She finds just about every deal there is to be had each day)

I hope this helps you to navigate this crazy blogging world and that you find some helpful info!

He Works Hard for the Money...

...So I am going to work hard to spend it wisely and here is one of my most recent attempts. I am taking a cue from the Duggars of the TLC show "17 Kids and Counting". They have offered me a bit of inspiration lately. Not because we are planning to have 18 children, but I'm incredibly impressed by the way they have managed their money. So when I heard that they make their own baby wipes I decided I would try it out, because with 2 in diapers we go through a lot and this would just be a small way to save some money. I'm very pleased! I will certainly continue to do this. So here is the how to taken from the Duggars.
-One roll of Bounty paper towels
-One-gallon ice-cream bucket (or I used a cylindrical Rubbermade container)
-Two cups water
-Two tablespoons baby oil
-One tablespoon rubbing alcohol
-One tablespoon baby bath (optional, though I did use it)
Cut a whole roll of Bounty paper towels into thirds. (The Duggars found that Bounty is the only brand that works...I trust them. Use an electric knife for best results.)
Place one of the halved rolls vertically into an empty and thoroughly cleaned one-gallon ice cream bucket (or whatever container. You could probably use your wipes warmer if you have one, though I'm not positive because I haven't tried). In a large measuring pitcher, mix two cups water, two tablespoons baby oil, and one tablespoon rubbing alcohol. (and one tablespoon of baby bath if preferred.)
Pour the liquid over the halved roll of paper towels in the ice cream bucket, and soak for 30 minutes. Remove the cardboard center. Feed the top corner of the paper towels, starting in the center, through an X-shaped slit you've cut in the lid of the ice-cream bucket so you can pull out and tear off one "wipe" at a time.
My next endeavor, taken from the Duggars, is homemade laundry detergent. I'm thinking I will try this tomorrow so I will let you know!

Instant Frozen Yogurt

This may be nothing new to any of you, but I did this completely on accident the other day, and well...I've done it on purpose three more times since. Mac can take down a homemade smoothie, and he has gotten into the habit of asking for one almost every afternoon. "Yummy Fmooie?" he says, meaning, "Can I have a yummy smoothie?" So I stored up some sliced fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice cubes in the freezer for a quick mix with some plain yogurt in the blender. Well you may have known this, but blending frozen fruit with yogurt comes out of the blender as frozen yogurt. Of course this sounds like common sense, I just never thought of it. So give this a try because its a great treat for little ones and big ones alike!
1/3 cup sliced frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen sliced bananas
2 cubes frozen orange juice (I squeeze it fresh and freeze it in ice cube trays.)
1/3 cup plain yogurt (I use low fat, but whatever you like)
A touch of honey for sweetness

Blend it all up and there you go! It makes two large servings that are hardly any calories and good for you to boot!
You could make this with any frozen fruit you like. My next try is going to be some frozen pineapple chunks with some frozen cubes of coconut milk. If you know some reason why this would not work, let me know...otherwise, I'll let you know how it goes!