Thursday, December 23, 2010

Rudolph's Hide Away



Last year I got the brilliant idea to assemble and decorate a Gingerbread House. It turned out to be more of a shack than home. This year,while visiting a friend's home, Jasper found himself admiring their popsicle stick reindeer and stable. Looking for something to fill the endless no school hours, we made a trip to Micheal's and dug out the hot glue gun. Joe and Jasper had a great time constructing the reindeer and the stable, while I turned a bridge into a sleigh.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

I Love Molasses



I love molasses, don't you? It's what makes plain boring white sugar that much better. It pairs with ginger to create a taste of home and comfort. Added to cornmeal it makes the best damn pudding in the world.

Here are a few of my favorite molasses recipes. The first two I've tried and the last one is on my must make list. Do you have a favorite to share?

Craving Molasses Cookies posted on Chickens In The Road. A fun website with lots of great recipes. I made these cookies for Sylvia and Jasper's teachers this year, along with my husband's best ever chocolate chip cookies, and placed them in a cute little holiday mug. Sylvia made individual name tags with a little personal note for each one. This is the first year we've made stuff for the teachers and I have to say it felt really great.

Indian Pudding
from the Simply Recipes site. The First Unitarian Church in our town has a Wednesday night dinner and religious education night. Not usually frequenting churches(for fear of burning up) I was hesitant to join my dad when he offered to take us. I found a lovely, open congregation of people who were there to celebrate life regardless of a person's individual spiritual path. Even the education classes where cool...I could choose from Yoga,meditation, The Bible for Skeptics, book club, among others. They had creative classes for the kids and I even signed my daughter up for a year long class about sexuality. Seriously. Then, to top it all off, the little old man who made dinner made this pudding. It was like he knew I'd be there and wanted to be sure I was sucked in ;)
While I can't promise a spiritual awakening upon tasting this, I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility either.

This last recipe is one I have yet to make. However it was the impetus behind this post. I 'liked' this site on facebook and everyday I am rewarded with a new and lovely recipe. Today's may be tonight's dessert. Molasses Custard from Nourished Kitchen.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Water Kefir

Great Kefir making resources at Heal Thyself.
Check out this video to get started.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Great blog post by Vicki Noble.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Crafts anyone?

I'm not the craftiest person, but I LOVE looking at other people's projects and dreaming about doing them myself.

I ran across this blog today.... Frugal Family Fun ..... and instantly added this to my list of crafty sites to visit.
Not only is she crafty but her colorful and fun photography is enough to bring me back for more. Check out her toilet paper roll owls.

What's your favorite crafty blogs?

Abraham: GETTING INTO THE VORTEX: THE BIG ONE - Esther & Jerry Hicks





If you are unfamiliar with this concept check it out here.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Lately life has been kicking my butt. I went to one of my favorite online reading sites and came away with the following reading. I think it was pretty spot on.

Attaining Your Goals Reading

Use this reading to assist in reaching, or possibly even defining your goals for the future. This spread attempts to identify core strengths you will need and challenges you will have to overcome to attain your goals and correspond them to the Animal Spirit that best represents them.
Scroll down to learn the influence of each Animal Spirit. Click on the images to see larger versions.







Outcome


Bear

Bear represents a time of reflection and stillness—a time of entering the inner cave of Self to contemplate life's challenges. Bear often appears during times of confusion and unrest—those unsettling moments when you turn to everyone you know for answers—everyone except yourself. Go within, ask the hard questions—then listen.




Issues to Address


Turtle

Turtle carries his home on his back, and his question to you today is whether your life is weighed down with “things” that serve no purpose. Everyone loves buying stuff, but do you use shopping, spending, and the acquisition of “things” as a substitute for passion, conviction, commitment? It’s worth thinking about, isn’t it?




Goal


Snake

Has Snake slithered into your world today? If so, you are being asked to undergo a major transformation. Are you willing to shed your old skin? Are you willing to let go of people, places, and things that no longer have a place in your life? Snake will help you make the grand transformation, then slide into a new life that's brimming with possibility.




Issues to Address


Moose

Moose represents incredible strength and longevity, as well as the ability to see the future. Moose antlers are among the largest of the antlered animals, and are like psychic antennae—giving Moose amazingly developed hearing, smell, and depth perception. Moose is bellowing at you to open your third eye and stop pretending that you don't know what's about to happen.




Primary Strength


Spider

Spider represents a connection between past and future, to remind you that the web you weave today is the web you will inhabit tomorrow. Are you spinning a balanced future? Spider is also a creator, spinning stories just as easily as she does a web. Spider in your reading asks you to consider the future you are weaving—does it include your biggest dreams?




Primary Weakness

Polar Bear

Has Polar Bear lumbered into your reading? If so, he's reminding you of the value of being flexible. Polar Bear instinctively knows how to conserve his energy and will observe a situation before he takes action. Once he decide it's the appropriate time to move forward, however, he has the strength, energy, and fortitude to face whatever dangers lie ahead. Having problems making a change? Polar Bear is here to help, and his message to you is: Take heart, have courage, build your strength, then MOVE!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

Catch-Up

Not ketchup or catsup. Rather I shall post some random tidbits from the last two months.

Here is a few pictures of my dinner last night. I stuffed pepper's from my garden with cream cheese, because everything taste good with cream cheese. I also made zucchini boats that I baked in the oven and topped with marinara sauce.


What else? Well I love selling Norwex. It's been a great first couple of months and I envision it getting better and better! If you haven't heard of Norwex you can check out their website at www.norwex.com and then shoot me an email at mia.norwex@gmail.com to order. 'Cause you'll want to order after you know about it. I promise.

How are my chicken's doing? you ask.
Well they are very well, though are not laying yet. I've been telling them that they need to start pulling their weight around here and either start doing the dishes or lay us some eggs! Maybe it's the stress getting to them, but no eggs yet. I figure they will start laying once they get their castle next week. I suppose you wouldn't want to pro create either if you where living in a box down by the river.
I did trade off two Rhode Island Red's for two bantams about a month ago. One is a buff orpington and one is a black Silkie(named Sookie......can't you just hear Bill yelling for his 'dinner'?....Soookiieee......). It took a little while for them to get accepted into the flock but they are holding their own.
The really cute and slightly annoying thing about my chickens is that, come 8pm, they roost on top of my car. This was kind of cute until the day I thought I was being followed around by a bag of manure, that is until I saw the large blob of poop that had melted into the top of my door. Really really gross.





Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Norwex



I have decided to become an Independent Consultant for a company called Norwex. They make brilliant microfiber products that clean and sanitize with just water. They also make a line of organic and herbal based skin care products. Here is a link to there website: www.norwex.com

They have an awesome hostess program for those who wish to do an in home party. You can earn lots and lots of free items by inviting friends over to shop. It's a great way to help create a safer enviroment for you and your family by reducing the amount of toxic chemicals in your enviroment. Using these microfiber products also helps create less stress on the enviroment as well as your wallet!

Let me know if your interested in learning more or booking a party. I would also love to hear any testimonials from those of you who are already using Norwex products.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Beware all ye who enter here

Try not to be fooled by the cleverly placed fruit loops or bulldozer. For you will surely be trapped under the well hidden basket of doom.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Treasure Map ....Check!

Last my family and a great friend sat around our dining room table and created our Treasure Map. Paper flew, laughs abound....fun was had by all.
My map this year is much more spiritual based, where last years was more material focused. Of course most of the magazines at the table where goddess magazines plus last years we'moon....so go figure. lol.
Everyone's year looks to be full of travel, financial abundance, love and spiritual growth. Should be fun time!

Did you do your map? I'd love to hear about it.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Chicken Coop


Jasper next to our new coop. This is only their summer home. We will be adding another level so they can have a place to lay and a warm place to roost for the fall/winter.
It looks a bit shabby and well, it is. But they like it and they aren't on our porch anymore. Which is awesome. Especially since one, I believe it was Monster Truck, had taken to perching on the side of the box and pooping on the floor. Needless to say we are all happier with this new arrangement.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Facebook contest

Do you have a Facebook account? I entered a photo contest in hopes of winning a boudoir photo session with a local photography company. I would love it if you came and voted for me.
Go to this page, become a fan and find me in the contest photos I believe I'm #31.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Sunny Day Playdate

I took the chicks outside to play while I cleaned their box. Who knew chickens pooped so much! Geez.



Posted by Picasa

Saturday, March 20, 2010

We have Chickens! (finally)

6 of them to be exact. Rhode Island Reds.
Patty, Nugget, Betty and Monster Truck....guess which one Jasper named?
We still need to name two so if you have any suggestions leave them in the comments. :^)

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Vernal Equinox....3-20-2010

Spring is around the corner. Which is hard to believe here in Iowa. I'm looking out of my window at snowy landscape wondering where the 60 degree weather went. Seriously, it was 60 on Wednesday. Mother Nature is such a tease.

Here is an article written by a local astrologer about the upcoming Equinox and the energies it will bring to our lives.

VERNAL EQUINOX 3-20-10

Cathy Lindsey

www.AstroEyes.com

AstroEyes@aol.com

,

Vernal Equinox – First day of Spring! The Vernal Equinox occurs when the Sun reaches the zero point of Aries. It is when the Sun cross’s directly over the Earth’s equator. Equinox means “equal night”. Because the Sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world. This is a time of balance! This is a time of birthing the “new”. This is a time for change and growth.

This is a very powerful Spring Equinox. It is happening within the orb of the Galactic Center, a portal to the Universe.. Also referred to as the “heart” of the Universe. With the Equinox being a portal to the Universe also, this is a powerful time to listen and receive the energies and the messages that are being sent to you. Feel what is in your heart.

Astrology for the Vernal Equinox The Sun has just gone into Aries and is joined by Uranus and Mercury. Aries is about courage, passion, initiation and going on crusades to make things happen. Uranus is about thinking outside the box and into the future, it is about humanitarianism and making changes where they need to be made. And Mercury is your voice! This powerful Sun is saying to use our courage, our passion and our Voice, to speak what is in our hearts and to be a part of the changes that need to be made for all humanity. With this happening in the 10th house (the public house) it is time to bring this out to the public and Speak it!!

The Sun, Mercury and Uranus are also Opposing Saturn and squaring Pluto. In other words, the Sun (our core shinning brightly) and Mercury (your Voice) has come in, on this Equinox and joined the Cardinal “T” square that is becoming very tight this summer. With the Aries Sun and Mercury along with Uranus at this equinox it is about passion and change for all humanity, and speaking it!! Taking a stand, even if it is out side the box to some people. The sun and Uranus are opposing Saturn which represents tradition, and the way it has always been. The Sun, Mercury and Uranus are saying that we need to change some of the old ways that are no longer working. This is being squared by Pluto. Pluto really only cares about your heart and soul. Pluto doesn’t like secrets or ego or greed. A square is a growth aspect, as long as you take care of the things that are squaring it. So this is about change……not fear, not gloom and doom, but change On the high side, we have Uranus saying “lets bring in some new ideas, that we haven’t done before, even if they seem a little “out there” and lets make sure all humanity is involved, we are all equal and listen to the guidance we get from the higher realms. Saturn on the high side is the “Elder energy and knowledge”, the Wise one’s, the Wizard. So we can pull on all that high Saturn knowledge and that guidance from the “Elders”. Pluto is saying, it is all about Heart and Soul, with no secrets! Manifest and Create the Higher sides of this Cardinal “T” Square and the Aries Sun and Mercury of the Equinox will give us the courage and the passion to take it to the higher level and just Speak it!!!

We also have a Taurus Moon and a Cancer Ascendant at this Equinox. Taurus is about the Earth. It is about loving the beauty of the earth and about creating beauty. The Cancer Ascendant is about nurturing the Earth, Mother Earth and all its inhabitance including the Fairies and the Earth Elementals. As you can see, there is a great emphasizes on the Earth energy. With Venus in Aries (ruled by Mars) there is a blending of the feminine/male energies, the love/and passion, the creativity/and intensity etc.

Neptune and Chiron are still conjunct at the Equinox. We have Neptune, which is the highest spiritual and creative planet and all about unconditional love, in Aquarius which is thinking out side the box for all humanity, sitting/ and blending with Chiron which represents the “wound of the Earth and Humanity.” They are in the 9th house of higher knowledge, religions and philosophy. What is this wound that is being represented in this

Equinox? With Jupiter sharing the 9th house with them, and Jupiter representing the masters and master teachers……the wound has to do with knowledge, using your mind to think and absorb knowledge. It is time to step back from being “sucked” into the computer, the TV or your Ipod and think, expand your mind, get involved with the Earth, be part of the changes that need to be made, and create a beautiful reality.

A Quick History – The “T” square that this Equinox is a part of, is very similar to the aspect that was happening during the mid 1960’s. The 60’s of course are best known as the “Hippie” area. At that time we had Uranus and Pluto sitting together opposing Saturn. Today, we have Uranus opposing Saturn (same as in the 60’s) being squared by Pluto. Same 3 planets, in a major aspect. If you think about it, part of the themes of that area were: unconditional love for all Humanity, thinking out side the box, and into the future, speaking your truth, and making changes where things needed to be changed, creating beauty and Peace, and love and taking care of the Earth and all the Earth Elementals. Sound familiar? The “seeds” were planted during that time, so they could be activated during this time, in us, the “light workers. Those of you who were not around during that time and are here today, received those “seeds” by proxy.

So let all these wonderful energies sprinkle down on you today. Meditate on what you are hearing, seeing and feeling. Manifest and create a beautiful reality for yourself, for the Earth and for all Humanity.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Treasure Map 2010

It's time to prepare for making your treasure map. Head on over to Tracy's Astro Salon and read all about it.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

Check out this great site for an online tarot reading. It's been pretty accurate for me so far.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

New

In the last few weeks I've gotten a large new tattoo, chopped off about 6 inches of hair and dyed it red, and I just bought a new jacket. I think all the inside work I've been doing is starting to show on the outside.
I made a little movie with the pictures from my tattoo sessions. I spent all morning doing it and then it wouldn't work. So no slide show for you. Instead here is a couple pictures of the process. I will post a finished shot once it finishes healing.





Sunday, February 28, 2010

I'm a winner.

I just wanted to thank Pam from A love of NEW recipes for choosing me as her giveaway winner.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo


I love Cajun food. My favorite being boudin, which is ground up pork liver, heart and sometimes head meat plus seasoned rice stuffed into a casing. Oh sausage and your intestinal casing, how I do love you. My grandparents brought it back a couple of times when I was younger. I haven't had it since then but I do keep very found memories of this exotic tasty treat.
While I'm not to excited to work with ground organ meat and intestinal casings, no matter how delicious the results might be, I have been working on perfecting my gumbo. It's a simple and tasty meal that's easy to make and freeze, plus it serves up well at parties.
Making the roux is the hardest part but it's really not as scary as people seem to make it.

Here is my (loose as always) recipe, adapted from this recipe.
A note about okra - sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't. I think it's an authentic addition that helps thicken the gumbo and add nutrients. If you want to use it chop it up and throw in at the end with the thighs and vegetables or sauted with the veges. 3 or 4 large okras will work.

1lb chicken thighs, skin on bone in adds good flavor.... just pick the offensive parts out later :)
1 package andouille sausage cut in pieces ( I use Amy's chicken andouille)
4 cups chicken stock or water
4Tbs butter
4Tbs flour
1 onion chopped
3 or 4 carrots diced
2 or 3 stalks of celery diced
a couple cloves of garlic minced
1 tbl cooking oil
cajun seasoning.... I make my own but you can buy it at Penzey's or the grocery store.
salt

I suggest using a large heavy bottom pan. You can usually make everything in the same pot. Have everything chopped and ready to make before you start. Plus have an extra bowl ready to transfer stuff as you go.
  • Heat oil over medium heat and add the chicken thighs, cook till done.
  • add the sausage in the last few minutes to warm up.
  • Remove and set aside
  • Add the onions,garlic,celery,and carrots. saute for about 10 mins.
  • Remove and set aside with the thigh/sausages.
  • Now you make the roux. I like mine dark so that's how I'll tell you to make it, but do what you will.
  • Melt the butter stirring constantly.
  • Slowly stir in the flour to the butter. Keep stirring it will be paste like.
  • Stir this until the mixture becomes dark, it will look almost burnt. This could take 20 mins or an hour. I've heard it either way. Mine usually takes closer to 20.
  • Take off heat and add the broth , continue to stir, yes this is a lot of stirring. It's a work out.
  • Put back on the heat, add all the ingredients, including about 1-2 tablespoons of cajun spices and some salt. Simmer for as long as you want...20mins to an hour or more. Serve in a bowl with rice.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Just because......


Here are two recent stories that help illustrate what an interesting person my son is, while at the same time paint me in an unflattering light. That is the way of parenthood is it not?

Jasper is sitting in the backseat while we are dropping his dad off at school this morning. As we are pulling away I belch. From the backseat I hear " You are the best belcher, Mom! I hope when I grow up I can belch as good as you."

I bought a pineapple at the grocery store the other day per Jasper's request. I went to cut it at the table as he stood by watching and eating a few pieces as I cut them. I was pretty engrossed in getting the fruit out as well as my usual mind chatter. As I went in the kitchen to throw some peices away Jasper says "Look mom, I have something stuck in my teeth." about 4 times. Finally, without looking back I said " I see honey, we'll get it out in a minute" Jasper responded with a truely innocent and amazed tone of voice "You have amazing eyes."
It took me a minute to realize that he wasn't commenting on my beauty, but rather my ability to see him with out actually looking at him.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Yes, I'm patting myself on the back.

So I might not be throwing all my non traditional foods out but that doesn't mean I'm doing nothing good. I just wanted to brag that I completed a personal goal of mine and jogged 4 miles....in the cold no less....today.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Challenging Challenge

So today was the first day of the 28 day Traditional Food challenge. I open the email to see what the first small step in changing my eating habits were and well quickly hyperventilated and decided to not do it. The first step and they did say, small steps, was to through out everything in my fridge,freezer, pantry that has sugar, refined flours, perservatives, ect.
Hello! I realize that that is the basic of traditional eating but that is a cost prohibitive change. To much to soon for this already booked women. I will be trying to make more yogurt and fermented items this month, but no drastic food wasting challenges for me. Nope.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Family Night



I had a lovely evening last night with my family. We stayed in and played a new game and had an amazing dinner. We made Beet and Blue Cheese Risotto, a lovely salad full of colorful fresh vegetables, and toasted ciabatta bread. We were feeling in a bit of a rut with our meal choices, so it was nice to have something new.
After dinner we all played a new game called Carcassonne. It's a highly addictive game of strategy. Joe and I both had dreams last night about playing it.

I'm including the recipe here but I have to say that this was my first try at risotto and if you read any recipes it is suppose to be something hard to learn and to be afraid of. I found it very doable and it turned out wonderful, but I'm not Italian and it could have been an abomination for all I know.
Beet and Blue Cheese Risotto ( adapted from my friend Brandy's recipe):
Ingredients-
1Tbl plus 1Tbl butter
1Tbl Olive Oil
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic chopped
salt
1 carrot diced
1/2 medium onion diced
1 cup rice - I used Carnaroli
5 cups water or broth, warm
1 large pre cooked and diced beet
1/2 cup parmesan
1/2 cup blue cheese
A heavy medium sized soup pot ( you can use the same pot for the everything)

-Saute diced onion in the o.o. and 1tbl butter for about 5 mins add the carrot and garlic , continue to saute about 5 more mins
-Remove from pan
- Add the rice( you may want to add more butter or oil) saute until the rice turns slightly brown...keep stirring!
- Stir back in the onions and carrots
- Add the bay leaves and some salt
-Add a cup of water, let cook for a few minutes, continuing to stir
-Add liquid to cover the rice and cook for about 30 minutes , keep adding the broth/water as it cooks down. Continue to stir every couple of minutes. I started checking to see if it was done around 20 minutes in.
- When the rice is done turn off the heat and add the 1 tbl butter, 1/2 cup parmesan and 1/2 cup blue cheese. Stir and let sit for a few moments, serve and enjoy!

I had some for breakfast this morning and it was even better after the flavors had melded overnight. Delicious!

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Real Food Challenge

I love accepting challenges but I have a real hard time seeing them through. The Green Smoothie challenge last year is a great example. That said I still accepted to do this one in February. It's 28 days of eating nourishing real foods, something we are pretty good at doing anyway but I'm hoping this will help remind us to be better at it. I'm especially interested in the kicking the sugar part. I'm hoping to get Sylvia on board with this one as she's in need of an sugar intervention anyway. Anyone know of a sugar's anonymous meeting? :^)
Anyway. I will keep you posted on our progress....or lack there of.
I've also made the move to go to the Y 3-4x a week. I figure it's better for me than prozac and it has a similar effect. I feel so much better about myself and my day when I work out . On my good friend's suggestion I picked 4 class that 'fit' into our 'schedule'. ( we have schedule?) I'm going to look at it like a 4th job that I have to show up for . I'm also still doing my year and day jazz. It was on hold over the holidays but I plan to pick it up full force soon. Oh, and I'm also working on getting my Reiki business back in business. If you feel inclined you're welcome to plaster my website around( I'd appreciate it and do the same for yours if you want!). www.reikiforabundance.com
I'm off to organize the kitchen!

BookMooch

I just found out about the coolest website! It's called BookMooch . You get to swap books with people all around the country. If you send a book to someone you get a credit to use for getting a book from someone else. I'm very excited to try it out as I love to read but hate to spend money on a book. I have a few bookshelves full of books that I keep as refrences or as 'friends' ( you know, the ones that make you feel happy just seeing them there). I also have a quite a few books that I read once and don't plan on reading again. I forsee a new home for them soon!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Random Photos

This is what my twelve year old looked like on her birthday morning.


Delicious Gingerbread cake with Lemon-Lime Icing
Project Day

Monday, January 4, 2010

Good Morning Muffins



Dates, hemp seeds, carrots, lemon zest, oatmeal, oh my!
I threw these together this morning with the help of my assistant.

They turned out so moist and flavorful that I'm going to record the recipe to make again. At least as well as I can remember it. :)

Dry ingredients:
1/2 cup oat
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
a lot of cinnamon
salt

Wet:
1 egg
1/2 cup yogurt(blueberry was good)
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbl maple syrup
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 chopped dates
1/4 raisins
1 banana ripe and mashed
1/4 grated carrot
lemon zest
vanilla

combine....combine.....then combine :) being careful not to over mix dry and wet ingredients
bake for 25 mins in 350 degree preheated oven.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy 2010!

I suggest stepping outside of your own way this year and allow for the expansion of your perceived reality. Step away from the mainstream news(what is more poisonous than Fox?) and make up your own! Do your own commentary and fact checking. Allow for weaker personal boundaries and uncomfortable social situations. Accept the kookiness of others and embrace your own ramblings.
Re write your personal history to reflect the person you've chosen to be today.

You won't regret it. Or maybe you will. As always, the choice is up to you.