While I'm thinking about food, I might as well tell you another one of my kitchen secrets.
(I promise this isn't turning into just a domestic blog...my husband is out there with all his deep theology posts and random zaniness. He'll be back someday soon, he's just really busy these days. And he can't access blogger at work. Oh, and he's sick, too, poor thing. We all go through seasons, so I suppose it is only natural that our family's diverse interests will be reflected in our blogging at different times.) Anyway, here goes nothing...
Though we have very little storage space, I've been loathe to purge any unused kitchen appliances. I never actually bought any of these, mind you, they were all gifts. (Thanks, JL, for the electric can opener-- I use it almost everyday!) I might get rid of the rice cooker, since it has been missing the power cord for over two years, but the coffeemaker does come in handy every now and then. And then there is the one wedding gift that has never been used since I took it out of the box when we arrived here as newlyweds.
The Breadmaker.
(That could be the title of a really bad action movie.)
Yes, I have owned a bread maker for over 5 years, but never used it until last Sunday.
I must pause here and thank all my wonderful AOPi sorority sisters who banded together to buy me the darned thing at that dessert shower before our wedding so many years ago. I'm sorry I can't remember who exactly got it for me, but I wanted to say thank you. Again.
Now you may be thinking, "What a silly machine! I make my own bread from scratch every day! Why do you even need one?" Or you may be closer to this persuasion: "Um, hello! You can buy perfectly good bread from the store! And it's so much easier! Get rid of it already!" Or you may think "Bread machine? And you've been holding out on us?! Those things are awesome!"
Apparently, one of Gaines' hallmates in his college dorm had a bread machine. They all thought he was lame until the first time he used it. Hello, zucchini bread!
So, on one of my recent trips to Trader Joe's I picked up a bag of whole wheat flour. I think I might have been thinking of possibly making bread one day, or maybe it was for the pizza crust kick I was on in January after getting (stealing?) a pizza stone from Gaines' aunt at the annual family Dirty Santa event. The pizza crust made with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour was pretty good. Not quite Papa John's, but definitely cheaper. Either way, for some reason last weekend I was inspired to try making my own bread.
We had an incredibly busy weekend, so I'm not sure why I even thought to attempt it, but on Sunday afternoon, in between church functions, I got it out and put the ingredients together. I didn't start it until late afternoon, though, so the bread wasn't even ready until after 9 p.m. Silly me. Next time I need to plan ahead a little bit better.
All that to say, there really is nothing better in this world than hot homemade bread with butter on top. It really is so much better than store-bought bread. I made straight-from-the-breadmaker-manual 100% whole-wheat for the first go-round, but I attempt to experiment with this frugal recipe for beginners, next, for something a little lighter. There's also this famed concoction called WHO bread which I find intriguing. And Suess-ical! But since we don't eat much bread around here usually, I may wait a while.
We have, however, enjoyed this first loaf. I wanted to make a special note that it is very good with the Artichoke and Spinach Dip Chicken, as it is reminiscent of the dip that inspired the aforementioned recipe. The only problem with homemade bread is that it is very difficult to slice, since the whole wheat is very dense and I don't think we have a sharp knife in the apartment (I know, I know! And I call myself a cook...). Which makes me appreciate the old adage about sliced bread all the more. Perhaps the other recipes will be easier to cut neatly. I'll let you know.
I'm now going to go enjoy one of the remaining pieces for lunch!
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Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
Jamie Lyn graciously commented below that I must be creative in the kitchen (thanks!). However, I must admit I usually just change things up because I get bored. Also, I mostly steal ideas from others and adapt them just a little bit. (Isn't that what all good teachers are trained to do, anyway? Just borrow other people's ideas and use it for their own advantage? Ah, the glories of a graduate education.)
Seriously, though, I can't take credit for some of my best recent sucesses in the kitchen. I have to let you in on my most awesome favorite recipe blog of secret cooking knowledge. (Secret knowledge. Secret eating. Mmmmmm....) I'm sorry I've been holding out on you, my three loyal blog readers. So, dum da da dum....here it is:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
(The exclamation point is essential.) I don't even remember how I found out about this site, but I've been hooked ever since, especially after seeing that Thanksgiving meal. Those photographs! Those gloriously fattening foods! The easy-to-find ingredients! The step-by-step visual instructions!
Ree is like Nigella for us regular Americans. She makes everything look good!
And look at the recipe she posted today: Apple Dumplings. Made with Mountain Dew! Oh. My. Goodness. That is sure to be Gaines' favorite new dessert. I think I may have to try that. Soon.
Recently I made her Party Quesadillas for a girls' night and I finished the evening with The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. I didn't believe it was the best, but then I tried it. And it really is that good! (Also, I ended up tweaking it, too. Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Cocoa was on sale at the store, so I used that instead of the regular kind. It was heavenly and indulgent and divine. Don't make this if you are on a diet. But really, why diet when there are so many good recipes out there?)
So, go forth and make your own awesome culinary creations! Enjoy!
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Seriously, though, I can't take credit for some of my best recent sucesses in the kitchen. I have to let you in on my most awesome favorite recipe blog of secret cooking knowledge. (Secret knowledge. Secret eating. Mmmmmm....) I'm sorry I've been holding out on you, my three loyal blog readers. So, dum da da dum....here it is:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
(The exclamation point is essential.) I don't even remember how I found out about this site, but I've been hooked ever since, especially after seeing that Thanksgiving meal. Those photographs! Those gloriously fattening foods! The easy-to-find ingredients! The step-by-step visual instructions!
Ree is like Nigella for us regular Americans. She makes everything look good!
And look at the recipe she posted today: Apple Dumplings. Made with Mountain Dew! Oh. My. Goodness. That is sure to be Gaines' favorite new dessert. I think I may have to try that. Soon.
Recently I made her Party Quesadillas for a girls' night and I finished the evening with The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. I didn't believe it was the best, but then I tried it. And it really is that good! (Also, I ended up tweaking it, too. Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Cocoa was on sale at the store, so I used that instead of the regular kind. It was heavenly and indulgent and divine. Don't make this if you are on a diet. But really, why diet when there are so many good recipes out there?)
So, go forth and make your own awesome culinary creations! Enjoy!
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Books and Worms
Calloo, Callay! A blog about worms! Oh, wait. No, scratch that. A blog by bookworms! Yay! And they are two people I know in real life! This is going to be fun to watch.
Worm's Book Report
The name of Jen and Susanna's blog reminds me of three things:
1. That worm character with glasses who used to appear on posters in my elementary school library.
2. The computer game.
3. How to Eat Fried Worms
But I digress. Vice-Worm. hehe
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Worm's Book Report
The name of Jen and Susanna's blog reminds me of three things:
1. That worm character with glasses who used to appear on posters in my elementary school library.
2. The computer game.
3. How to Eat Fried Worms
But I digress. Vice-Worm. hehe
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Artichoke and Spinach Dip Chicken with Couscous
Last night, as I am often in the habit of doing, I threw together a dinner from some things I had on hand. I am the queen of unexpected casseroles. This time, though, I remembered to write my version down. Or at least blog about it.
This is a good recipe if you have chicken breasts and chopped spinach in your freezer.
Whenever we go to a new American-style restaurant or sports bar, we almost invariably always try out the eatery's version of hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip. When we were first married we used to play team trivia (much more often than we do these days), and one of our favorite spots had an A&S Dip with a unique flavor, which I detected to be a package of Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix and cream cheese. From that, I developed a great dip using a variation of some knockoff Olive Garden recipe and those ingredients. It's been quite a hit.
So last night, when I realized that even though I'd left the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight and they still hadn't thawed, I knew I needed a way to bake them and still infuse them with flavor. And vegetables. I also didn't have time to just boil them and chop them and then add them to a casserole like I sometimes do. So, here are the results of my dip-inspired experiment. Tasty.
Artichoke and Spinach Dip Chicken with Couscous
cooking spray
2-3 large chicken breasts, partially thawed
1 can cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom will work, too)
1 cup sour cream, low or non-fat
1 package Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix (there are usually 2 per box now)
1/2 pkg bagged frozen spinach, unthawed but chopped lightly with a fork
1 can Artichoke Hearts, quartered
shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
bread or cracker crumbs
Tri-color or plain CousCous (Tri-color is prettier)
1. Spray a square baking dish with PAM and lay the chicken breasts in it. If they are still frozen, it will be okay, you just need to adjust the baking time.
2. In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, soup mix, frozen spinach, and artichokes together until spinach is well-blended.
3. Spoon mixture on top of chicken breasts, completely covering them on all sides.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, if chicken is partially frozen. For fresh chicken, you'd probably only need 30 minutes of baking time.
5. Add bread/cracker crumbs to the top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. After adding crumbs, prepare couscous as directed on the package. Usually, the only requires boiling water and then adding the couscous, covering, and letting sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
7. Enjoy! Serve over couscous in a bowl or pasta dish. Serves at least 4, or two with leftovers.
I can't be certain of the sodium levels, but this is a relatively healthy comfort food dish. And so you know, it's just as good the next day!
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This is a good recipe if you have chicken breasts and chopped spinach in your freezer.
Whenever we go to a new American-style restaurant or sports bar, we almost invariably always try out the eatery's version of hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip. When we were first married we used to play team trivia (much more often than we do these days), and one of our favorite spots had an A&S Dip with a unique flavor, which I detected to be a package of Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix and cream cheese. From that, I developed a great dip using a variation of some knockoff Olive Garden recipe and those ingredients. It's been quite a hit.
So last night, when I realized that even though I'd left the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight and they still hadn't thawed, I knew I needed a way to bake them and still infuse them with flavor. And vegetables. I also didn't have time to just boil them and chop them and then add them to a casserole like I sometimes do. So, here are the results of my dip-inspired experiment. Tasty.
Artichoke and Spinach Dip Chicken with Couscous
cooking spray
2-3 large chicken breasts, partially thawed
1 can cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom will work, too)
1 cup sour cream, low or non-fat
1 package Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix (there are usually 2 per box now)
1/2 pkg bagged frozen spinach, unthawed but chopped lightly with a fork
1 can Artichoke Hearts, quartered
shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
bread or cracker crumbs
Tri-color or plain CousCous (Tri-color is prettier)
1. Spray a square baking dish with PAM and lay the chicken breasts in it. If they are still frozen, it will be okay, you just need to adjust the baking time.
2. In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, soup mix, frozen spinach, and artichokes together until spinach is well-blended.
3. Spoon mixture on top of chicken breasts, completely covering them on all sides.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, if chicken is partially frozen. For fresh chicken, you'd probably only need 30 minutes of baking time.
5. Add bread/cracker crumbs to the top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. After adding crumbs, prepare couscous as directed on the package. Usually, the only requires boiling water and then adding the couscous, covering, and letting sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
7. Enjoy! Serve over couscous in a bowl or pasta dish. Serves at least 4, or two with leftovers.
I can't be certain of the sodium levels, but this is a relatively healthy comfort food dish. And so you know, it's just as good the next day!
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More Weird Things to Try With Bacon
First, there were the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Those were actually a success! I plan on making them again.
Now, someone has perfected making bacon cups. Oh, the possibilities!
Update 2/28: I can't believe I forgot to mention this from the same site: bacon curls!
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Now, someone has perfected making bacon cups. Oh, the possibilities!
Update 2/28: I can't believe I forgot to mention this from the same site: bacon curls!
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Nana's Covers
Are you looking for a practical and stylish way to keep your baby away from the nasty germs on shopping carts? Look no further than Nana's Covers.
About six weeks ago I was in a large Baby store looking for a shopping cart cover. Our son had recently acquired the disgusting habit of putting his mouth on the shopping cart whenever we went to buy groceries, and I wanted something to keep all those icky germs away. I had a small cover I had bought somewhere, but it didn't fit over large shopping carts and was cumbersome to put together. I asked a fellow shopper if she knew where the shopping cart covers were located in the store and she mentioned that her mother actually makes and sells them!
So, only a short while later, a glorious package arrived in the mail from Nancy at Nana's Covers. I had e-mailed her about some custom fabric that I liked, and here is the fantastic result (taken a few minutes after the mailman dropped it off). You can see Jacob was enjoying it already!
Nancy worked on this with great care and attention to detail: the stitching is strong and the navy accent fabric works wonderfully with the Blue Zoo pattern. There are pockets for a cell phone or wallet, a sippy cup holder, and a toy loop. Nancy also included cute matching toy rings on the toy loops, so we could start adding toys right away. She even created a matching patterned fabric drawstring bag (per my special request) to keep the cover clean while it is stored in the car! In the picture below, you can see the matching beads she added on the drawstring as well as a close-up of the Alexander Henry Blue Zoo fabric.
In the few weeks this has been in our posession, we have used this shopping cart cover everywhere: at the grocery store, on restaurant high chairs, and even at our local warehouse store -- it completely covered the extra-large seat! It is also machine washable, which is a bonus with a messy eater. I just hung it up to dry and it looks like new!
I cannot more highly recommend Nana's Covers and Nancy's craftmanship. The quality is much better than anything mass-produced, and of course I always prefer things that are handmade. To top it off, her prices are extremely reasonable, especially compared to some other handmade covers I found on the internet. So, if you are in the market for a shopping cart cover for your little one, please check out Nana's Covers. She has a variety of fabric choices available on her website, but will also be happy to accomodate any custom fabric you desire. She also sells blankets and clothing, so be sure to check out her site!
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About six weeks ago I was in a large Baby store looking for a shopping cart cover. Our son had recently acquired the disgusting habit of putting his mouth on the shopping cart whenever we went to buy groceries, and I wanted something to keep all those icky germs away. I had a small cover I had bought somewhere, but it didn't fit over large shopping carts and was cumbersome to put together. I asked a fellow shopper if she knew where the shopping cart covers were located in the store and she mentioned that her mother actually makes and sells them!
So, only a short while later, a glorious package arrived in the mail from Nancy at Nana's Covers. I had e-mailed her about some custom fabric that I liked, and here is the fantastic result (taken a few minutes after the mailman dropped it off). You can see Jacob was enjoying it already!
Nancy worked on this with great care and attention to detail: the stitching is strong and the navy accent fabric works wonderfully with the Blue Zoo pattern. There are pockets for a cell phone or wallet, a sippy cup holder, and a toy loop. Nancy also included cute matching toy rings on the toy loops, so we could start adding toys right away. She even created a matching patterned fabric drawstring bag (per my special request) to keep the cover clean while it is stored in the car! In the picture below, you can see the matching beads she added on the drawstring as well as a close-up of the Alexander Henry Blue Zoo fabric.
In the few weeks this has been in our posession, we have used this shopping cart cover everywhere: at the grocery store, on restaurant high chairs, and even at our local warehouse store -- it completely covered the extra-large seat! It is also machine washable, which is a bonus with a messy eater. I just hung it up to dry and it looks like new!
I cannot more highly recommend Nana's Covers and Nancy's craftmanship. The quality is much better than anything mass-produced, and of course I always prefer things that are handmade. To top it off, her prices are extremely reasonable, especially compared to some other handmade covers I found on the internet. So, if you are in the market for a shopping cart cover for your little one, please check out Nana's Covers. She has a variety of fabric choices available on her website, but will also be happy to accomodate any custom fabric you desire. She also sells blankets and clothing, so be sure to check out her site!
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Monday, February 25, 2008
Wright at Emory
Sweet! It's official! N.T. Wright is going to be speaking about his new book, Surprised by Hope, at the Veritas Forum at Emory University on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. The Bishop of Durham is an impressive scholar and fantastic speaker and this new book should be a great comfort to Christians. I am looking forward to hearing him speak again! Mark your calendars now and be in prayer for the Intervarsity, RUF, and other groups who are helping to organize this event.
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Sunday, February 24, 2008
Britax Car Seats on Sale
If you're in the market for a car seat for a child, know that this week, until about March 2, all Britax car seats are on sale to benefit the Kyle David Miller Foundation. You can find them online at Amazon, HipMonkey, and other retailers. Just so you know, the Britax Marathon also comes in collegiate styles, like Georgia Tech. :)
The J-man just got a Marathon as a late Christmas present (thanks, Mom!) since he's getting way too tall for his infant seat, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew about this! I agree with Kristen that Britax car seats are the safest, and to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. Thanks for the tip, K!
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The J-man just got a Marathon as a late Christmas present (thanks, Mom!) since he's getting way too tall for his infant seat, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew about this! I agree with Kristen that Britax car seats are the safest, and to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. Thanks for the tip, K!
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Welcome to the World!
Yay! Congratulations to Sarah and Paul on the birth of their little guy, Ian James Kotronis, today at 4:14 p.m.!
Sarah is a good friend and was our delivery nurse at Jacob's birth. She stayed long past her shift ended and was present for the birth, greeting him in the operating room 24 hours after we arrived at the hospital! I think she was also the first of our friends to know his name.
Babies are awesome! Blessings to the new parents!
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Sarah is a good friend and was our delivery nurse at Jacob's birth. She stayed long past her shift ended and was present for the birth, greeting him in the operating room 24 hours after we arrived at the hospital! I think she was also the first of our friends to know his name.
Babies are awesome! Blessings to the new parents!
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Public Service Announcement
If you buy a tub of GOOP hand cleaner, don't leave it stored on a shelf above the dryer for years and years. But especially don't open said tub of Goop after these years of improper storage, because the entire container will inevitably spill everywhere when you discover it is not in its original semi-solid form.
Goop in its liquified state is not a fun substance to clean off of multiple surfaces like sinks, cabinets, countertops and linoleum floors and it spreads very quickly (thank goodness it didn't land on the carpet!). However, it does leave the aforementioned surfaces (and your hands that were previously covered in WD-40) feeling clean and conditioned.
Note: This is actually a fantastic product for cleaning up after messy projects like oil painting or working with tools and grease and things of that nature. I first learned about it from fellow art students in college. Just don't let it sit around too long...
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Goop in its liquified state is not a fun substance to clean off of multiple surfaces like sinks, cabinets, countertops and linoleum floors and it spreads very quickly (thank goodness it didn't land on the carpet!). However, it does leave the aforementioned surfaces (and your hands that were previously covered in WD-40) feeling clean and conditioned.
Note: This is actually a fantastic product for cleaning up after messy projects like oil painting or working with tools and grease and things of that nature. I first learned about it from fellow art students in college. Just don't let it sit around too long...
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Monday, February 18, 2008
Upcoming Events
The little man and I are going out of town for a few days, but when we return, I have all sorts of good things to post. So look for these by the end of this week:
1. A review for the best handmade shopping cart cover ever (with pictures)!
2. More LOST theories and craziness
3. A review for a great online book about healthy eating.
4. Recent reads!
5. Pictures of visits with family and friends.
Who could ask for more? Stay tuned!
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1. A review for the best handmade shopping cart cover ever (with pictures)!
2. More LOST theories and craziness
3. A review for a great online book about healthy eating.
4. Recent reads!
5. Pictures of visits with family and friends.
Who could ask for more? Stay tuned!
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
Easy Ideas for Going Green
In case you're wondering (and even if you weren't) we've been slowly taking greener steps to create a healthier home. Mostly, because doing so has helped to save us money and has lately become more convenient, but also because I've begun to notice a difference in how I feel with less toxins around.
1. Recycle. Duh.
Currently, we recycle aluminum cans. Gaines go through about a box of sodas a week, and the bonus is that we can drop off the empty ones at church and make a little extra money for our elderly members.
2. Use cloth.
I have a couple of cheap cloth shopping bags I got at Garden Ridge for $1 each. I try to remember to take these with me whenever I go to the store, but sometimes I forget. If I do bring home plastic bags, we keep them and reuse them. We also part-time cloth diaper, but that's an entirely different post for another day. Oh, and cloth napkins. Sometimes I remember to use those, but I need a better system for what to do with the dirty ones.
3. Become aware.
Having a baby DOES change everything. I'm not a complete clean/germ freak, but seeing how the little dude puts everything into his mouth really makes me pause. Eventually, I'd like to try out the baby surface spray and other products from Mrs. Meyers. Right now, I just use hot water and mild soap for most things.
Also, since Trader Joe's came to town, I've enjoyed using their laundry detergent, especially on cloth diapers and wipes. I'm open to trying other brands, though, so if anyone has any (reasonably priced) recommendations that are either unscented or that have a clean, fresh, natural scent, let me know.
4. Slowly get rid of chemicals.
I have tons of harsh cleaning products, but since I bought most of them at a warehouse club my stockpile has lasted for years. However, whenever I run out of a product, I try to replace it with something more eco-friendly. I'm currently loving the Method window cleaner with it's fresh mint scent (yay for Target!). I'd like to try out more of their products -- I'm thinking of just tossing out everything I have and getting the detox kit! But for now, I'll switch out one product at a time.
5. Freecycle.
It is my new best friend. A few months ago, we gave away our old TV, and yesterday, I picked up a filing cabinet!
Besides the other usual things like changing out to the long-lasting flourescent lightbulbs, using less water, keeping the thermostat constant (and using lots of blankets), how else do you try to make less of an impact on the environment while also being cost-effective?
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1. Recycle. Duh.
Currently, we recycle aluminum cans. Gaines go through about a box of sodas a week, and the bonus is that we can drop off the empty ones at church and make a little extra money for our elderly members.
2. Use cloth.
I have a couple of cheap cloth shopping bags I got at Garden Ridge for $1 each. I try to remember to take these with me whenever I go to the store, but sometimes I forget. If I do bring home plastic bags, we keep them and reuse them. We also part-time cloth diaper, but that's an entirely different post for another day. Oh, and cloth napkins. Sometimes I remember to use those, but I need a better system for what to do with the dirty ones.
3. Become aware.
Having a baby DOES change everything. I'm not a complete clean/germ freak, but seeing how the little dude puts everything into his mouth really makes me pause. Eventually, I'd like to try out the baby surface spray and other products from Mrs. Meyers. Right now, I just use hot water and mild soap for most things.
Also, since Trader Joe's came to town, I've enjoyed using their laundry detergent, especially on cloth diapers and wipes. I'm open to trying other brands, though, so if anyone has any (reasonably priced) recommendations that are either unscented or that have a clean, fresh, natural scent, let me know.
4. Slowly get rid of chemicals.
I have tons of harsh cleaning products, but since I bought most of them at a warehouse club my stockpile has lasted for years. However, whenever I run out of a product, I try to replace it with something more eco-friendly. I'm currently loving the Method window cleaner with it's fresh mint scent (yay for Target!). I'd like to try out more of their products -- I'm thinking of just tossing out everything I have and getting the detox kit! But for now, I'll switch out one product at a time.
5. Freecycle.
It is my new best friend. A few months ago, we gave away our old TV, and yesterday, I picked up a filing cabinet!
Besides the other usual things like changing out to the long-lasting flourescent lightbulbs, using less water, keeping the thermostat constant (and using lots of blankets), how else do you try to make less of an impact on the environment while also being cost-effective?
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Winner! (Seventh Generation)
All my contest-entering has begun to pay off!
I just learned that I won eco-friendly Seventh Generation diapers and wipes from Seven Dogs and a Baby! There are always great contests going on over there, so check them out.
Before Jacob was born, I taught high school with an inspiring science teacher who gave us a package of newborn Seventh Generation diapers. We were skeptical at first, but after trying them out in comparison to some other brands, we LOVED them!
They had no funky deoderant smell and no cartoon characters, just a dye-free diaper. Of course, the diapers are "natural" in color, meaning they look brownish, and sometimes people thought he'd had an accident! But they worked great, better than Huggies in my opinion, and didn't have that Pampers cloying scent. The only problem is that I can't seem to find them at a reasonable price locally. Of course, we have been given so many diapers and use cloth part-time so we really didn't need to buy any for a long time! Now, I either find coupons or get the BJ's store brand, which we prefer over Target or Walmart. And believe me, we've tried them all!
I've also been using the Seventh Generation mold and mildew remover, which has a great citrus scent, and so far, has been keeping the grossness at bay with some regular spritzing and slight scrubbing. It also doesn't overpower me with nasty fumes whenever I do get around to cleaning the shower, so that's a plus.
FYI, Wee Generation is a cool new site from the Seventh Generation folks (among others) about eco-friendly baby products.
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I just learned that I won eco-friendly Seventh Generation diapers and wipes from Seven Dogs and a Baby! There are always great contests going on over there, so check them out.
Before Jacob was born, I taught high school with an inspiring science teacher who gave us a package of newborn Seventh Generation diapers. We were skeptical at first, but after trying them out in comparison to some other brands, we LOVED them!
They had no funky deoderant smell and no cartoon characters, just a dye-free diaper. Of course, the diapers are "natural" in color, meaning they look brownish, and sometimes people thought he'd had an accident! But they worked great, better than Huggies in my opinion, and didn't have that Pampers cloying scent. The only problem is that I can't seem to find them at a reasonable price locally. Of course, we have been given so many diapers and use cloth part-time so we really didn't need to buy any for a long time! Now, I either find coupons or get the BJ's store brand, which we prefer over Target or Walmart. And believe me, we've tried them all!
I've also been using the Seventh Generation mold and mildew remover, which has a great citrus scent, and so far, has been keeping the grossness at bay with some regular spritzing and slight scrubbing. It also doesn't overpower me with nasty fumes whenever I do get around to cleaning the shower, so that's a plus.
FYI, Wee Generation is a cool new site from the Seventh Generation folks (among others) about eco-friendly baby products.
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Happy Valentine's Day!
We're not really big Valentine's participants here at Team Redd, but I will find almost any excuse to post a cute picture. :)
This morning I was reminded that we first met eight years ago just a few days before "Singleness Awareness Day". And though it is still a silly Hallmark holiday, I would like to think that any celebration would be a reminder of that event. Of course, I think we should start a tradition of watching Vernon, FL every year around Feb. 11th, since the very existence of that film, theretofore unknown to me, was one of the things that brought us together. Of course, a free concert and the chance to babysit AP's kids also were incentives, though even then Gaines wasn't such a big fan of changing diapers... :)
Speaking of parenting things and in the spirit of hearts and sharing and giving things away, there's a great Valentine's giveaway over at mod*mom. Really fabulous stuff!
Whatever you do today, have fun!
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My Grandmother Grew Avocados
A few weeks ago, when we were eating quesadillas with homemade guacamole, I thought to save the avocado pit. I put it in a baby food jar filled with water and set it on the window to catch the light. All I had in the cupboard were "festive" toothpicks, so the seed rests on brightly colored wood and sits every so gently in the water. I love it. So far, I am remembering to water it. I have hopes of planting it in a pot on our porch so that it might someday grow into a tree.
My avocado in a jar reminds me of my Grandmother Dixie. She used to keep avocado pits on her windowsill, too, though I'm not sure if any of them ever made it to pots. Hers had a much more appropriate container, a 1970's-ish avocado-shaped ceramic dish colored green and yellow. It might be described today as retro, vintage, something someone might bid for on eBay, but which she may have picked up at the grocery store for less than a dollar. It sat on her sunny windowsill above the kitchen sink. I always liked to check the pits' progress, whenever they would sprout.
I don't even remember eating avocados at my grandmother's house, only cornbread and collard greens and ice cream for dessert. I remember Thanksgiving dinners where the house filled with the aromas of food preparation, southern-fried goodness and gelatin salads. I remember eggs for breakfast, or Cheerios, and those last long conversations we had sitting around her kitchen table while I was planning our wedding. She loved to watch the birds outside her window. And so do I.
It is still hard for me to believe that it has been over 5 years since I last sat with her beneath the apple-patterned kitchen curtains amd watched the birds, over 5 years since she went on to be with the Lord -- just 5 days before our wedding. I am thankful for those frequent trips to Montgomery during what would be the last months of her life, and for our talks. She loved Gaines. I am glad she got to know him. She loved our family. She loved her neighbors. She was so generous to so many people and had so much to say...but there are so many questions I have that I never thought to ask her. Sometimes I still get the urge to call her.
One day, I'm hopeful, I will be able to ask her questions again and find out things I've always wanted to know, stories others could certainly could tell me perhaps, though not in her voice. Did she ever play in the hay bales on the farm like I did when I was young? How did she meet my grandfather? Did she really cut off the bedpost because he was always hanging his pants on it? How did she raise my mom and all my aunts and uncles? What was it like to lose her oldest son when he was still only a child? How did she always remain so full of life?
Some glad morning, I know, when all our tears have been wiped away, we will sit together at a glorious kitchen table in the New Creation. She will tell me about Cousin So-and-So, whom we are somewhat distantly related to by marriage, and about her neighbor who used to live down the street who just happens to be a cousin of ours, too. And will we be introduced, I and those oft-mentioned relatives whom I never met while she was alive. And even more glorious, everyone at that Table will be family, real family, the family bound by Christ and not complicated geneaologies. I hold on to that Hope.
Perhaps, in this New Creation, my grandmother and I will be gardeners together (my black thumb going the way of this old, broken body). We will begin, of course, by growing an avocado seed in a newly-made avocado dish glazed yellow and green. It will grow into a tree, and birds will find shelter in its branches.
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My avocado in a jar reminds me of my Grandmother Dixie. She used to keep avocado pits on her windowsill, too, though I'm not sure if any of them ever made it to pots. Hers had a much more appropriate container, a 1970's-ish avocado-shaped ceramic dish colored green and yellow. It might be described today as retro, vintage, something someone might bid for on eBay, but which she may have picked up at the grocery store for less than a dollar. It sat on her sunny windowsill above the kitchen sink. I always liked to check the pits' progress, whenever they would sprout.
I don't even remember eating avocados at my grandmother's house, only cornbread and collard greens and ice cream for dessert. I remember Thanksgiving dinners where the house filled with the aromas of food preparation, southern-fried goodness and gelatin salads. I remember eggs for breakfast, or Cheerios, and those last long conversations we had sitting around her kitchen table while I was planning our wedding. She loved to watch the birds outside her window. And so do I.
It is still hard for me to believe that it has been over 5 years since I last sat with her beneath the apple-patterned kitchen curtains amd watched the birds, over 5 years since she went on to be with the Lord -- just 5 days before our wedding. I am thankful for those frequent trips to Montgomery during what would be the last months of her life, and for our talks. She loved Gaines. I am glad she got to know him. She loved our family. She loved her neighbors. She was so generous to so many people and had so much to say...but there are so many questions I have that I never thought to ask her. Sometimes I still get the urge to call her.
One day, I'm hopeful, I will be able to ask her questions again and find out things I've always wanted to know, stories others could certainly could tell me perhaps, though not in her voice. Did she ever play in the hay bales on the farm like I did when I was young? How did she meet my grandfather? Did she really cut off the bedpost because he was always hanging his pants on it? How did she raise my mom and all my aunts and uncles? What was it like to lose her oldest son when he was still only a child? How did she always remain so full of life?
Some glad morning, I know, when all our tears have been wiped away, we will sit together at a glorious kitchen table in the New Creation. She will tell me about Cousin So-and-So, whom we are somewhat distantly related to by marriage, and about her neighbor who used to live down the street who just happens to be a cousin of ours, too. And will we be introduced, I and those oft-mentioned relatives whom I never met while she was alive. And even more glorious, everyone at that Table will be family, real family, the family bound by Christ and not complicated geneaologies. I hold on to that Hope.
Perhaps, in this New Creation, my grandmother and I will be gardeners together (my black thumb going the way of this old, broken body). We will begin, of course, by growing an avocado seed in a newly-made avocado dish glazed yellow and green. It will grow into a tree, and birds will find shelter in its branches.
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Giveaways
Because who doesn't like a chance to win stuff? Especially stuff for kids.
The nice folks over at The Polkadot Platypus are giving away a Baby K'tan Baby Carrier.
They are also currently having a sale on select Babylegs...so go check them out!
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Diaper Bag Goodies Giveaway over at Oh! Baby Buy. There are a ton of great products in there.
Finally, Prizey is always great for one-stop giveaway shopping. I'm only *slightly* addicted to entering these contests, but hey, free stuff! And I'm picky about the ones I do enter, so I guess that counts for something, right? :)
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The nice folks over at The Polkadot Platypus are giving away a Baby K'tan Baby Carrier.
They are also currently having a sale on select Babylegs...so go check them out!
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Diaper Bag Goodies Giveaway over at Oh! Baby Buy. There are a ton of great products in there.
Finally, Prizey is always great for one-stop giveaway shopping. I'm only *slightly* addicted to entering these contests, but hey, free stuff! And I'm picky about the ones I do enter, so I guess that counts for something, right? :)
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Friday, February 08, 2008
N.T. Wright in TIME
"Christians Wrong About Heaven, Says Bishop"
Despite the provocative title (gotta love TIME!), this is a good little interview on life, death and resurrection -- and how popular views on each obscure what the Bible actually says.
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Despite the provocative title (gotta love TIME!), this is a good little interview on life, death and resurrection -- and how popular views on each obscure what the Bible actually says.
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So It Begins: LOSTmania
I'd almost forgotten about the LOST: Missing Pieces episodes until someone reminded me. If you only watch one of these very short mini-episodes, you must see "So It Begins," the newest of the bunch. Oh my goodness it blows my mind! Go, watch it now and come back and discuss below!
As for last night's episode I think Jeff Jensen is on to something here. I must re-read Prince Caspian! (CSL might be my new favorite character, if they don't kill her off too soon. Did anyone else catch the musical homage to Indiana Jones at the beginning of her Tunisia scene?)
Discuss amongst yourselves...
(Be warned: there might be spoilers in the comments!)
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As for last night's episode I think Jeff Jensen is on to something here. I must re-read Prince Caspian! (CSL might be my new favorite character, if they don't kill her off too soon. Did anyone else catch the musical homage to Indiana Jones at the beginning of her Tunisia scene?)
Discuss amongst yourselves...
(Be warned: there might be spoilers in the comments!)
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Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Obligatory LOST Post
I can't believe I haven't posted about the new season of LOST -- it's waaay more enjoyable than the presidential primaries have been. I am very pumped about Season Four. I'll save a more detailed post for a later day, but I'll just say that the show continues to delight me with its ability to move the story in unexpected-yet-awesome ways.
In the meanwhile ...
This is pretty funny.
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In the meanwhile ...
This is pretty funny.
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A Prayer for Ash Wednesday
O Most mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sin, and be saved; Mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgment with thy servants; but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our transgressions, and truly repent us of our faults, and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, 1928 ed.
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The Book of Common Prayer, 1928 ed.
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Vote!
We voted this morning. (If you haven't voted today, there's still time! Here in Georgia, the polls are open until 7 p.m.)
Our voting location chose an insanely small room in which to hold the primaries. I carried Jacob in the sling, thankfully, but these two mamas who came in after me with extremely large and cumbersome strollers were in for an adventure. The room was also set up inefficiently, which didn't help.
After meandering our way through three tables in the midst of the crowd, Jacob finally got to watch Mom vote. But the voting "booths" weren't exactly private. The computer screen was in a row with six other computer screens and if you were standing right next to someone, you could probably see how they voted. Not that I really minded, but still.
At least Jacob was able to witness the democratic process in action. :)
We're actually excited about watching the returns tonight (after House, of course!). Lately, with all the debates and caucuses and primaries, we've become slightly addicted to checking C-SPAN. We don't have cable, so if we're itching for something political and it's not on the networks, we turn there. Or the internet, of course.
Is anyone else planning to watch the returns tonight? I'd just like to see Ron Paul get double digits (!). I have a feeling the Republican primary in Georgia is going to be spread out between all four candidates. On my way home from the polls, I saw 2 McCain signs, 2 Huckabee signs, 1 Romney and 1 Paul sign. I have a feeling that's going to be similar to the distribution of votes...
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Monday, February 04, 2008
Banana Goes Bye-Bye
Jacob has become quite the babbler, and though really we have no idea what he is saying most of the time, I think in this clip he gets his idea across!
This was the first time he has actually picked up food and fed himself something, after months of just dropping the food off the side of the high chair. While he has begun to associate "Bye-Bye" with someone leaving or going away, it was neat to see him make the connection with food!
(I recorded this hurriedly on Friday morning, and so I apologize for the Easter bib --I know it's not even Lent yet -- but I had to share this moment!)
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This was the first time he has actually picked up food and fed himself something, after months of just dropping the food off the side of the high chair. While he has begun to associate "Bye-Bye" with someone leaving or going away, it was neat to see him make the connection with food!
(I recorded this hurriedly on Friday morning, and so I apologize for the Easter bib --I know it's not even Lent yet -- but I had to share this moment!)
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Blog Tag!
TulipGirl tagged me to play!
I hardly ever participate in these sorts of things, but since maybe more that the half-dozen family members and real-life friends might be reading, I thought I'd give it a go.
7 Random Facts About Me:
1. I was born 12 weeks early. I weighed 1 lb 8 oz, was only 11 inches long, and was known in my small town as "The Miracle Baby," appropriately.
2. My elbows, according to my husband, are abnormally sharp.
3. One summer in college I was the Director of a Ropes Course at Riverview Camp for Girls, which consisted mostly of climbing trees and swinging from wires. It was my dream job.
4. I have been known to eat leftover brownies for breakfast.
5. In sixth grade I met Norma Fox Mazer at a creative writing competition and she personally autographed my copy of When We First Met. It is the only book of hers I've kept.
6. I lived in the same house my entire life until I got married; my parents still live there.
7. The first dinner I cooked in our apartment as newlyweds was a meal of French toast.
I'm tagging:
Jen, Mary, Melissa, Amy, Courtney, Rebecca, and Sarah!
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I hardly ever participate in these sorts of things, but since maybe more that the half-dozen family members and real-life friends might be reading, I thought I'd give it a go.
7 Random Facts About Me:
1. I was born 12 weeks early. I weighed 1 lb 8 oz, was only 11 inches long, and was known in my small town as "The Miracle Baby," appropriately.
2. My elbows, according to my husband, are abnormally sharp.
3. One summer in college I was the Director of a Ropes Course at Riverview Camp for Girls, which consisted mostly of climbing trees and swinging from wires. It was my dream job.
4. I have been known to eat leftover brownies for breakfast.
5. In sixth grade I met Norma Fox Mazer at a creative writing competition and she personally autographed my copy of When We First Met. It is the only book of hers I've kept.
6. I lived in the same house my entire life until I got married; my parents still live there.
7. The first dinner I cooked in our apartment as newlyweds was a meal of French toast.
Game of Blog Tag Rules:
*Link to the person that tagged you.
*Post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.
I'm tagging:
Jen, Mary, Melissa, Amy, Courtney, Rebecca, and Sarah!
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Tomorrow, Tomorrow
Super Tuesday's tomorrrow. It's only a day away!
And even though I know who I'm voting for, I still take multiple candidate matching quizzes, just because I can. And they're kind of fun. If you still are undecided, the two quizzes I linked to might be useful.
It's probably no surprise to friends and readers that on the issues I matched up closest with Ron Paul and was furthest from Barack Obama, even though the latter probably has a more likely chance of winning a presidential nomination. Oh, well. I'm still voting my conscience tomorrow. We'll see what happens.
No matter who you vote for, just make sure that if you are in a Super Tuesday state, that you are going to the polls! Make your voice heard!
P.S. Reading a biography of Ronald Reagan during election season has been an entertaining and eye-opening endeavor. I promise a full review once I finish.
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And even though I know who I'm voting for, I still take multiple candidate matching quizzes, just because I can. And they're kind of fun. If you still are undecided, the two quizzes I linked to might be useful.
It's probably no surprise to friends and readers that on the issues I matched up closest with Ron Paul and was furthest from Barack Obama, even though the latter probably has a more likely chance of winning a presidential nomination. Oh, well. I'm still voting my conscience tomorrow. We'll see what happens.
No matter who you vote for, just make sure that if you are in a Super Tuesday state, that you are going to the polls! Make your voice heard!
P.S. Reading a biography of Ronald Reagan during election season has been an entertaining and eye-opening endeavor. I promise a full review once I finish.
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Friday, February 01, 2008
Mr. Happy is back!
This is for Amy, especially.
The Mr. Men show premieres Feb. 4th!
If only we had the Cartoon Network! Someone watch it and let me know if it is any good...I'd love to collect the original books someday.
I always felt akin to Little Miss Chatterbox for some reason. :)
Who was your favorite Mister or Little Miss?
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The Mr. Men show premieres Feb. 4th!
If only we had the Cartoon Network! Someone watch it and let me know if it is any good...I'd love to collect the original books someday.
I always felt akin to Little Miss Chatterbox for some reason. :)
Who was your favorite Mister or Little Miss?
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