Random

Just some stuff floating around in my head.

By the way, if you like to see what we eat, go here.  That is where I post that stuff these days.

My recent sewing/craft project: this summer bag made from a clearance pillowcase.  If it gets destroyed from being thrown around this summer, I won't care too much.

Here are Martha's directions for making it.

Some movies I've watched lately that I didn't expect to like, but did:

• Warrior (cliche, but I still liked it once it got past the first few minutes)
• The Rebound (the kids made me laugh out loud)
• Crazy, Stupid, Love (sad, hilarious, hopeful)
• The Vow (expected to hate it because my sister thought it was terrible but I wouldn't go that far... Channing Tatum actually acted in this one instead of just clenching his jaw)

They are not family-friendly, just to warn you.

Do you like the modest, retro swimsuits from modcloth?  Check out this one-piece ....from WALMART. 

Yes, I just said Walmart!  It is not really the right cut for me, I think I would need longer legs to wear it, but it is so cute, so reasonably priced, and gets hundreds of rave reviews!  Too good to not share.  Just in case it is right for someone reading out there.

That's it for now.  Summer's here!

On Veterans and Their Mothers

Before I had my little boy, a friend told me she watches every war movie differently now that she has sons. Every soldier is someone's little boy.  This must read tear-jerker from Sarah echoes that thought.

The First of June

I haven't shared a grocery store shopping photo in awhile, so here is one, actually two, from my Aldi trip today.

$26 on this-

You see some cottage cheese in there, eh?  I'm cooking for others this weekend and I don't want them to feel punished too much by my food guidelines :)

and $22 on this-

I'm saving my receipt and if it is not worth it, I will return it.  They guarantee their products!

In other news today: I haven't watched much TV in a long time, like months, for a variety of reasons.  But tonight I watched one of my favorites - SYTYCD :)

Bits and Pieces

We had a relaxing weekend, and it was GREAT.  We needed that.

I'm bucking the trend and NOT making a summer to-do list, for neither me nor my kids.

I have read several posts lately, including both here and here, on the paleo diet boosting fertility.  I wonder if it would have made a difference for me when I had PCOS.  My situation was tricky, because my doctor told me I had the "thin" form, as in I didn't have excess weight that I needed to lose to help solve the problem... But while my diet was pretty free of chemicals, etc., I was still a carb addict, feasting on lots of flour and sugar.  Even without losing weight, would it have helped me to cut those things out?  Interesting.  I guess I won't know.  I took the pills, got pregnant, and my body seemed to recover.

What is with all these yogurt bar places that are all so similar but with a kajillion different franchise names? Did a bunch of people have the exact same idea at the exact same time?  Don't get me wrong, they are quite tasty, for an unhealthy treat.  I'm not knocking them.  It just seems weird to me that they all popped up at once, but under different names.

Still waiting on our Trader Joe's to open.... :)

Time to go out in the sunshine and get some Vitamin D!  Happy Tuesday!

Summer Has Arrived

I am:

-feeling introspective

-wishing I have heavier weights to do the crossfit workouts

-wanting to get in the habit of a decent bedtime for myself

-glad I get to snuggle my kids each night

-enjoying some reading

I have figured out why non-fiction books are good for me.  I can find stopping points.  With good fiction, I tend to read 24/7 until I finish the story and that is not a healthy balance.

We have not pushed the Disney princess stuff at all with our 3 year old; she just gravitates towards it.  She wants a Belle cake for her birthday... so I am planning something like this.  I welcome tips from anyone who has done this.  What kind of frosting did you use?  I am wanting to use a butter based frosting (non-Crisco) but don't know if it will get too runny.

Have a good holiday weekend!

Tuesday

Nice title, huh?

I washed the windows today.  All 14 of them.  Only said a bad word once when dealing with the broken shades in the laundry room.  Yay for me.  It is an accomplishment to get past the regular upkeep of laundry and cleaning to actually get around to the big projects.

Thinking of Joplin, and am glad for windows to wash.  I hear the weather channel is predicting more outbreaks of tornadoes today and tomorrow in the midwest.  Yikes.

Looking forward to swimming season!

I'm still working part-time this summer, but a little more low-key-ish than during the school year... I hope to do what I need to do, but also just enjoy the kids.  So therefore, no to-do list-making right now.  I loved summer as a kid...

Amost done with Light's Out: Sleep, Sugar, and Survival.  It is fascinating.  It contains a lot of information to wade through at times, but it is worth reading.  There are a lot of scientific specifics in it, but the main point is we all should sleep more because we kill ourselves in countless ways when we stay up and keep the lights on.  It explains how getting the right sleep is necessary for our bodies to fight diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc, etc, etc.  When it is dark outside, we should be sleeping (!!!)  Seems like a daunting task in this day and age.  A warning: if you reject all forms of evolution (evolution being defined as in living things change and adapt over time), you probably won't like this book.

Searching for some more easy paleo/primal recipes...

But I really should go shower and do my Bible study homework, so see ya later.

Tuesday Thoughts

It is Tuesday, right?  Life has been fluctuating between the extremes of frenetic and down- time, lately.  Heavy on the frenetic side.  I tend to prefer more of the predictable middle ground area, but at least there has been some down-time to keep me sane, although it has not been enough for me to keep all the plates in the air spinning at once... some have come crashing down and I've just swept the mess to the side, so to speak.

I just looked up the word frenetic to make sure I was using it properly.  I was.  It is a combination of frenzied and frantic, just like it sounds.

I made some paleo BBQ sauce tonight and poured the whole thing down the garbage disposal.  It was just awful, even after I added honey and molasses.  I won't link to the recipe, because I don't want to badmouth anyone's work.  I'm sure it is a really good recipe because it earned rave reviews from everyone else, not a single negative review.  I must have done something wrong.  So we mixed some homemade ketchup (that I keep on hand for the kids) and some mustard and ate that as sauce on our brisket, instead.

These Bible word clouds are cool.

It is several years old, but I just want to say that I like the movie Remember Me.  A lot.  I think I watched it initially because Robert was in it, but I ended up liking it for way more reasons than that.  You have to be in the mood for something emotional in order to appreciate it.

I am fighting the afternoon sugar addiction again.  I seriously cannot have any of it around or I am a goner.  Most of it revolves around chocolate.  I am doing well with meals, but have had few 100% paleo days since Easter due to those dang snacks.  I think I'm gonna have to re-commit to 100%, all or nothing.

My favorite (only) restaurant paleo meal during our 30 day challenge was a salad from Chipotle.  Lettuce, chicken (they gave me extra when I said no to beans), tomato salsa, and guacamole.  That's it.  And it was so good.  Just fyi, in case you care :)

Goodnight!

Ugh! and OUR Paleo Plan

Sooo, I didn't get a picture of my small Costco shopping trip this week.  Sorry! Just Aldi: $33.

We are on track for the grocery budget.  Good thing, because the rest of the budget is totally blown.  Ack!!  I told you spring was expensive around here!  Really.

I cannot believe that once again, Aldi has pineapples and strawberries for $.99.  And sweet potatoes for $.33 a lb.  And celery for $.69.  Aldi and Costco, Costco and Aldi.  Those are our stores lately.

My daughter and I just made and ate ants on a log :)

So.  My husband and I discussed it, and we really like eating the Paleo way.  As long as we can afford it, we are going to continue... with desserts permissible one day of the weekends (made paleo-friendly or at least wheat-free when possible).  When eating out or with friends and family, we will try to eat Paleo, but not to the extent of being a bother when we are house guests.  Unless of course it turns out to be really problematic for us when we do re-introduce grains, legumes, and pasteurized dairy - then of course we will not feel bad having to be stricter with our diets.  I have to say, right now, I am in no hurry to re-introduce them.  Let's keep on rollin'...

I have not been strict with the kids when we've been out of the house.  I let them choose non-paleo food when it is a treat - like a cookie from a friend, samples at Costco, a snack at church, or ice cream that was promised after a successful doctor's appointment, etc.  I have found that they get enough of junk food without me making or buying any!  I am starting to notice the sugar crash an hour later after my daughter eats a purely carb snack and am trying to discuss it with her... how that junky food did not make her feel any better...

I want this book.  I like her blog.  Her "required reading" posts are a great kick in the pants.

By the way, if you are wanting to try eating the Paleo way, and are worried about the expense, think about all the food items that you will not be buying... it really frees up a lot of money.  Shopping is simplified.  We are spending more, but not that much more... just about $100/month more than we were spending eating non-paleo.  We get a lot of benefits for that... The return on the investment is satisfying!

On a different note, I had this idea to do a bunch of links this week to projects that you can make reusing materials and items (in the spirit of Earth Day), but it is not going to happen, so maybe another time :)

Maybe I'll get my craft project done this weekend.  The one that has been sitting in the closet for more than a month...

Hope everyone has a good Easter weekend!

Groceries for Week 3

Here's what I purchased early this past week, using the leftover grocery money from the past two weeks and some entertainment money.

Aldi: $13

Costco: $52

They still had organic Braeburn apples for less than $1/lb. - yay!

OK.  Then, to delve into the week 3 grocery budget, here's what I purchased late this week for the weekend and to start the coming week:

Hy-Vee: $13

A note: Since I can't get all the farm fresh eggs we want (without going to lengths I am not willing to go), I have decided that the remainder of our eggs (after our weekly dozen from the farm) should be omega-3 enriched eggs, as recommended by most Paleo folks.  These are a compromise and are priced between the farm fresh ones which are $3.75 a dozen and the conventional ones which are close to $1 a dozen this time of year.  I went to Hy-Vee for the strawberries ($3.99 for 4 lbs.) and the omega-3 eggs ($1.96 a dozen on sale).  They were out of the eggs, so I talked customer service into substituting another omega-3 variety in their place.  Gotta love Hy-Vee customer service!

Aldi: $34

I am so happy that Aldi sends me their mailers now (no idea why) so I know what the produce specials are.  I think it is weird that the flyers in-store don't show these.  Once again, strawberries and pineapples for $.99!  Plus sweet potatoes 3 lb./$1 and celery $.69.

Price Chopper: $12

A weird assortment, most of it on sale, saved $6 with store specials.

I will probably go to Costco early next week to round things out.  So far, I've spent $59 of this week's $100 budget, but I can throw a little extra in there for my Costco trip since we are having a houseguest and I am spending less at the farm than budgeted for (because of buying less farm eggs than originally planned).

One more week of Paleo style eating... Are you sick of hearing about it yet?

Groceries

After my last shopping post, I went once again to Aldi and spent $4 on produce.  I also got milk and eggs from the farm.

Here are the recent trips.

Yesterday:
Aldi - $35

Today:
Wal-Mart (was there for a curtain rod) - $6

that is some cilantro (yum!) and parsley in the bags

...and Price Chopper - $37 (saved $41 with store specials; vitamins 50% off, antiperspirants $1 or $1.50 each, tomatoes $.99/lb, chicken $1.19/lb.)

Here is my goal.   Not counting farm stuff (beef, some chicken, milk, some eggs), spend $100 (or less) a week.  Our grand monthly total will most very likely be well over our old budget of $400 once that farm stuff is added in.  But, we think it will work out okay, because like I mentioned before, my husband is not spending our money eating out while on the job, which he occasionally used to do (and that adds up fast).  Instead,  he is taking all his food, which he used to try to do, but never did completely.  So, there is some money to work with.  Plus, there is occasionally overflow from other categories, depending on the month.  For example, I am cooking for my Bible study girls next week, so I will move some money from our "entertainment" category for groceries for that.  We'll see how it all shakes out.  Springtime is expensive around here with swimming lessons, graduations, weddings, birthdays, new shoes :), etc. so I can't go too crazy!

Here's the tally for April thus far, not counting the farm stuff:
Week 1 $85
Week 2 $78

I plan to do a smallish Costco trip early next week.  I will use some of the leftover money so far, plus some entertainment money, like I mentioned, and I think that will cover it.

I'm hungry now! :)

Things I Like

Just some new-to-me things from around the blog world and real world...

Scrappy Easter Eggs

Felt Easter Egg Hunt (or anytime) Bags

Everyday Paleo blog (a good source for recipes... I especially need help with non-boring chicken recipes, and there are several I'm interested in trying here, plus she has a book coming out soon... I just requested my local library order it!)

I am not a music junkie, I usually just listen to the radio, but I just love this album right now.  My daughter likes it, too.

This is interesting: Target beats Wal-Mart.  I don't shop for groceries often enough at both to compare for myself.

Everybody in my family needs new shoes at once, and could use multiple pairs at that... Sheesh, that adds up so fast.

I rearranged the furniture on my day off and switched out some accessories.  My house feels more springish now, yay.

I have to cook dinner for my Bible Study next week.  I have been debating what to make.  I think I am going to go for gluten-free, but not completely Paleo, because I want to make them a decent dessert :)

I want our Trader Joe's to open!  I think it is going to be a few more months??

You know what has been on my summer list for several years now and I have not done?  Blueberry picking.  What are the chances it will happen this year, I wonder.

My main spring cleaning chore that I want to get done around the house in the next month is washing the windows.  All of them, both sides.  I know they won't stay spotless long, but they need it badly.  I am dreading it.  Ugh.

Over spring break, I cleaned out drawers around the house.  My closet was recently purged on a major level.  I have a small pile of stuff in the basement to sell or give away.  Now, if I could just stay on top of the laundry and actual cleaning the way I do with the purging and cooking, this house would be consistently spic and span... that will happen in my dreams.

Ok, this morphed into a brain dump.  I'll stop complaining now.  My goal was to go to bed earlier this week, so I should go do that now.  Have a good night! :)

Happy April!

Hello, blog.  I've missed you.

I don't have any April Fool's Day pranks for you.

Just some scatter-brained musings.  Because these past few weeks have been a little crazy.  Sometimes I miss the simplicity of winter.  Things are always busier at our house when the weather is warm.  But don't get me wrong, I don't want to trade it :)

I think we are getting into a groove with the Paleo thing.  It took me about 3 days to get into it, to get over cravings and not feel like I was totally dragging.  It took my husband about 5.  My daughter still asks for granola, or a sandwich, or pizza now and then, but I just tell her we don't have any right now, and she gets over it.  It is not as hard as I thought it would be (as long as there is enough food around).  I have been reading some new blogs to go along with this to get inspiration for cooking and such.

I am setting a new (obviously higher) goal for the grocery budget.  But, I think it will all even out when we take into consideration that my husband is now spending very little money (compared to before) on eating out while on the job.

I am tired.  As I mentioned, for no particular reason, these past few weeks have been packed and I have not been getting to bed as early as I need to.  Like I am 2 hours short every night.  And I'm still not getting everything done.  Guess I should work on that this coming week, huh?

Here's something... I had my blood drawn to check my cholesterol, etc. this morning.  Last fall when I had it done, even though my numbers were better than ever, my LDL remained in the high range.  (You can read more about why I was not that worried about it here.)  Well, as of this morning, my LDL is still slightly high, but ALL my numbers (including LDL) are even better than before.  Everything was a PR, so to speak.  (That means personal record for you non-running folks.)  I've had my bloodwork done for the past 7 years, I think.  This new PR is on a diet that includes lots of meat, eggs, nuts, raw whole milk, butter, and coconut oil, folks.  (We have to go get our bloodwork done for a discount on our insurance.)

I also went shopping today at Aldi and Costco.  Here is a picture.  I spent $81 altogether.  A couple pieces of chicken, some apples,  bananas, a bag of carrots, and a container of guac are missing because my husband took them.  I wanted different eggs, but had to go with what Costco had.  Yes, that is 4 lbs. of regular bacon.  No, we will not eat it all in one week.  Good deals on produce at Aldi, once again.  Overall, I was pretty happy with the shopping trip.

I am so thankful for Jillian Michaels.  That sounds silly, but it is true.  She has just about the only workout DVD I can handle doing without hating or being annoyed.  I'm happy to say I've gotten 4 coworkers into doing her workouts, too.  The 30 Day Shred got me through the winter when I couldn't run outside.  I just learned she has a new Shred DVD out.  I will have to remember that for next winter, because in a sense, I think I have worn out the one I have.  I've been getting interested in CrossFit lately.  My husband does their workouts sometimes.  Some I can not even attempt, but I am still interested.

Ok, gotta go.  Thanks for humoring me.  Have a great weekend!  Cloth diaper tip coming sometime soon.  And hopefully a crafty project, too.

Groceries

Aldi ($22) and Costco ($49), pictured together.  Sorry, it was late and I was in a hurry to make dinner.

Strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe were $.99 at Aldi.  Got some cheap ground turkey to stretch our grass-fed beef further... Yikes, does that cancel out the benefits of the grass-fed beef?  Also: peas, oranges, bananas, tomatoes, tomato juice (for soup), and canned wild-caught salmon.

At Costco, I was going to get some nitrate-free bacon, but they didn't have any.... Bummer if they don't carry it anymore.  So, I got the not-pictured chicken-apple sausages (msg and nitrate-free), without thinking about the fact that they contain cheese (a Paleo no-no). Oh well, we will be eating them anyways... too much to waste!  Also: more organic apples for about $1/lb., organic salad greens, some almond butter to go with them, and more fruit & nut snack mix for my husband on the go.  Nuts are expensive, sheesh!

Price Chopper ($15)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.69/lb.  I have missed the ease of cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts.  Well, now I have an excuse to buy them, because I just can't handle doing all our chicken from a whole, pastured chicken!  And, spaghetti squash and sweet potatoes.  Not a great price, but they don't have these at Aldi or Costco.

Sub-total: $86

Plus, I got 10 lbs. of grass-fed ground beef and 2 dozen eggs from the monthly local farm pick-up... $67

And I will spend $20 on milk and eggs from the other farm later this week.  And hopefully, that is IT for March.  Ouch!!!!  $663.  Ouch again!!!!!  I had better get better at this Paleo shopping fast.


On another related note, our sermon at church today was on greed vs. contentment... I obviously don't think striving to be healthy is bad, because we should be good stewards of the life God has blessed us with.  But, I need to make sure that whatever we eat, I recognize that it is God's provision, and to be thankful for it.

Going to watch some b-ball now!

Update and Groceries

For any of you who are interested in how the Paleo lifestyle is going for us after 3 days, here are a few tidbits...

The kids are doing better with it than I thought.  Before starting, I decided that I would let them eat ketchup and other such condiments with their meat, so that helps them with the meat-eating.  Two recipe hits with them have been the paleo pancakes (we tried them on Tuesday) made of almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, and of course the spaghetti (with spaghetti squash).  I used the Pioneer Woman's sauce recipe for that.  It is pretty easy as long as you allow enough time for it to simmer.  The only changes I made include subbing a teaspoon of raw honey for the sugar, and I used some diced tomatoes + juice in place of the 15 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, because that's what I had on hand.  It makes a lot of sauce - enough to make 1 lb. of meat last for at least two meals for our family of 4.  And the bonus was that there was enough spaghetti squash leftover to go with it for another meal, too.

Eeeeek!  I am over the food budget, as of course I knew would happen.  Since my last grocery update, I have had 2 orders from the farm (milk and eggs) for a total of $40, a $25 trip to Whole Foods on who knows what, an $89 trip to Costco (purely meat, fish, and produce), the $24 trip to Price Chopper (pictured below)....

(the soap and detergent was per my husband's request... I try to use more eco-friendly stuff on myself and the kids and our clothes)

... and then there was another trip to Costco for $12 because my husband called me from work while I was on my way home and asked me to bring him more food :) so I stopped and got a rotisserie chicken and 5 lbs. of organic apples (took most of the apples home with me).  So, that brings the monthly total up to $450 (past my typical limit of $400), and the month is not over, yet.  Looks like there are some good produce deals at Aldi this week, so I think that is where I will be heading in a few days.

I felt like I almost had grocery shopping down to a science, but now it feels like I have to learn frugality all over again as I try to adapt it to this new lifestyle...

On a different note, one thing I already learned is that this family does not like curry dishes, so I won't be making any of those again anytime in the near future.  I think I am going to give away my jar of curry to a friend at work.

How do we feel?  Hungry :)  We do want to eat frequently, so I very quickly learned to be armed for that, or things get ugly fast.  I have to plan for one or two snacks a day for all of us.  And snack planning takes more prep.  BUT, the desire to overeat is gone.  Ya just don't feel like stuffing yourself with meat, vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

We are eating SO many more fruits and vegetables!  I expected to be grossed out by how much more meat we would be eating (and I even like meat), but I've hardly noticed that.  I am more amazed by how easy it is to eat a ton of produce... and I thought we ate a lot of produce before!

I couldn't do this on my own.  I am so glad my husband is doing it with me.  And there is no way I could do it if there were non-paleo items staring me down in my pantry.  I do miss the cheese.

OK, that is all for now.  Goodnight!

March Groceries, Week 2

Hy-Vee

Peanut Butter was 99 cents/jar, and I am sure we will eat it again someday :)
Grapes 99 cents/lb.
Organic Granny Smith apples 88 cents/lb.
Cabbage 19 cents/lb.
Spent $44

Aldi

Pineapples were 99 cents each
Oranges were $1.49 for 4 lbs.
Avocados were 29 cents each
Spent $21

Price Chopper

Boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.19/lb
Strawberries $1.49/box
Spent $13, saved $25!

I also got 1 gallon milk and 1 dozen eggs from the farm this past week.  Spent $7.  And spent $13 at Target on toilet paper.  I think I somewhat hoard toilet paper.  I like to keep large reserve.

Total so far: $260 spent, out of $400 for March groceries.

Alive!

I am here, and the wheels are still turning.

The fact that I haven't blogged lately (aside from menu plans) is probably due to the fact that I moved my computer to a rather inconvenient location, so that it is difficult to use when the kids are around.  And I am not moving it around anymore, at least for now.  This is good for us.  I don't want to miss any of these years due to my eyes being glued to a screen.  And thanks to my hubs dragging me into the 21st century, I can now reference recipes on my phone, which I have to admit, I kinda like...

Also, I was reading a book.  A real, non-fiction (sort of) book.  And I was determined to finish it before it was due at the library, even if that did mean keeping it a couple extra days and getting fined since I was out of renewals.  I know, such a rebel.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  I liked it and am surprised I hadn't read it before since I like historical books like that.  I had put it on my "want to read someday" list after reading Amy's review.

And now, it is the Lenten season... and Spring Break here.

Of course I have some projects to tackle and some dietary experiments to begin.

I read the Paleo Solution, by Robb Wolf, on the recommendation of one of my husbands coworkers, whom I respect.  I had it on hold at the library forever, and it was finally my turn to check it out.  I started the book last night and finished it this morning.  30 days, he says, try it for 30 days.  Shall we do it for the remainder of Lent to see what happens since it just happens to just about fit that time frame?  What is there to lose besides some money in groceries?

Speaking of groceries, a shopping trip is planned for tomorrow.

Maybe I can work some spring clothes shopping into the budget, too... that would be fun.

Thanks for checking in on my thrilling life :)

March... Groceries

I went to Aldi, Costco, and Whole Foods this week.

I went to Aldi on Monday to get some little things, as well as some items for a meal I am taking to a friend (sour cream, beef, tortillas, choc. chips, corn, cream cheese)  Milk was also included, but not pictured.  There was shortage at the farm this week, so I had to pick some up at the store.  We love those vanilla Italian pizzelle cookies at the top right :) Spent $34.

And then ("And DEN?!"...name that movie), I went to Costco on Tuesday and spent $108.  Could have bought more, but I used restraint.  I had to get the stuff put away right away, so no picture, but here's the list:
bananas
strawberries
organic salad greens
refrigerated uncooked tortillas
fish sticks
frozen organic broccoli
string cheese
block of cheddar
sour cream
butter
organic lemon juice
Sugar in the Raw
organic salsa
raw almonds
ciabatta bread
white wheat sandwich bread

Then I went to Whole Foods today.  It has been awhile since I've been there since they haven't had any produce sales I've been interested in lately.  But now they have organic apples for $1/lb., so it was worth a stop after work.  I also got some mac & cheese for $1/box, some sucanat and organic dry black beans from the bulk bins, and some organic tomato paste (w/ Muir Glen coupon from the store flyer).  Spent $20.

I try to have one or two "convenience/compromise" foods in the pantry or freezer, ready to go for a quick and easy meal if needed (some ideas are nitrate-free hot dogs, frozen ravioli w/ jarred sauce, fish sticks made from wild-caught fish, a healthier boxed mac & cheese, etc.)

Total: $162 out of $400 for March

Last year, I remember going WAY overbudget (by a couple hundred dollars) for the month of March, so we'll see how it goes this year...hopefully better! :)

This Week

I got my hair cut today... it was overdue!  I should change my profile picture... because I have been growing it out for a year and so it looks much different now, even with the recent trim.

We are loving these oven potatoes.  Sometimes I cook them longer than called for, though.  The leftovers (if there are any!) are excellent warmed up in the skillet with eggs the next day for breakfast.  They get a little crispy that way :)

This idea for a fair way of trading babysitting is brilliant!  Why haven't I thought of this before?  Except sometimes once the kids are in bed, it is easier and just as nice to stay home and relax together... but of course it would be good and fun to be scheduled to "go out" together, too...

I want to try these Sundried Tomato and Sausage Egg Cupcakes.  A protein-rich, grain-free breakfast that can be premade for "grab 'n' go"!

This unmessy sandpaper craft looks cool.

OK, gotta go!

Tuesday Brain Dump

I am the meanest mom.  I just put all my daughter's toys on top of the fridge indefinitely.  Long story short - she was NOT a "big girl" today.

I made this gourmet garlic chicken pizza (a Papa Murphy's copycat recipe) on Sunday night because we had already eaten everything on the menu plan and I didn't want regular pizza.  Fortunately, I had the makings for ranch dressing (double the spices) as well as sundried tomatoes (subbed for fresh) in the fridge, and the cooked chicken, chopped green onion, and mozzarella were in the freezer.  It hit the spot.  I loved it and am already looking forward to making it again.  I used up all our jarred garlic on the potatoes last night, though, so I need to get some more.  I don't know if garlic powder would cut it.

I am trying not to make desserts that hang around the house.  Like right now, I have the munchies, but I am going to go get a glass of real milk instead... We'll see how well that goes.

I have not tried these, but this seems like an AWESOME price for new cloth diapers.  Amanda likes them.  I kind of wish I needed to order some more cloth diapers... makes me a little sad :(

I just realized that all these "paragraphs" start with "I".  Oh well, it is my brain dump session after all.  And I guess I didn't have as much to say as I thought... So... so long for now.

Unscientific Personal Thoughts on Bread

As I have mentioned before, we like bread.  We like bread that isn't brittle or dry.  We eat bread for sandwiches or toast.  I am not making bread (or buying it from the bakery) each and every day.  (The bakery even claims it should be eaten fresh, not day-old.)  There is a problem.  Bread that "keeps" is typically loaded with preservatives and stuff.

I have always thought wheat bread was healthier, but now my thinking is shifting.  You hear about all the gluten-intolerances?  Kinda like the dairy intolerances?  Some seem to develop with time... One theory is that they develop due to overexposure.  The push for whole-wheat and whole-grain bread has overloaded our bread with extra gluten to keep it soft and squishy, as so many of us like it.  And our bodies can't take it anymore; they are revolting in various formats.

I have minor joint issues that flare up from time to time.  Not enough to interfere with anything, but enough to be extremely annoying for a very short period of time.  I suspect, but do not know, that it they are diet-related.  The symptoms and the duration of them have improved over the past few years since shifting towards a more whole foods diet.  Almost anything can be blamed on gluten issues, so it is something to consider.

Now, in addition to scanning the ingredient labels on bread packages for HFCS, I also look to see if vital wheat gluten is in the top handful of ingredients.  Go ahead and look yourself.  Almost all "appealing" whole wheat bread found in they typical grocery store contains additional gluten as one of it's top ingredients.  My goal is to look for it after the "contains 2% or less of the following" part.

The other slightly unfortunate thing is that nearly all store-bought bread contains soy, in one form or another.  Why do we want soy in our bread?!  Soy jacks with your hormones.  Sheesh.  Anyways, that was a sidenote.  Investigate if you wish.

I know, I know, I should just make my own bread.  Or give it up altogether.  Seriously, it would be good for me to!  I am trying to move our family towards less reliance on grains, but that is slow going.

So, ya wanna know the reason I bought white, non-whole-wheat bread at the store the other day (when I wasn't at Costco to get my typical kind)?  Because the ingredient label read as such: wheat flour, water, buttermilk, sugar, butter, yeast, soybean oil.  I'll take 6 out of 7.  Then came the "contains 2% or less of" part: wheat gluten, barley malt, honey, salt, vinegar, cultured corn solids, cultured wheat flour, yeast extract, soy flour, soy lecithin, whey.  Mosty of those items I know, which is more than I can say for many other breads on the shelf.  Trust me, I checked.  It is higher in calories that other bread, but perhaps that will encourage us to eat less of it!

Obsessive?  Yes.  I just like learning about food.  I just don't always like what I learn :)