baby food and thoughts on working / staying home

Happy Monday Bloggers! 

Sweet little P is napping right now, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to check in. 

There's not a lot new going on here ... we're mostly trying to enjoy the wonderful Fall temperatures.

This past weekend we were able to spend a lot of time outside ... and I'm really thankful for that. We participated in the Buddy Walk, attended a surprise sweet 16 (where there was guitars, singing, and bonfires), and ate a lot of bar-b-q in the great outdoors.

It was a little chilly in Lexington this weekend, but today the weather is absolutely perfect. I'm thinking about running a couple errands after P wakes up, and maybe even sneaking in a trip to the arboretum. 

Have I mentioned that I love my days off with him?

I love that I'm the one that gets to teach him things, cuddle with him, and watch him grow. I am also thankful for the wonderful childcare that we have on the days when I do have to work. 

 My heart is still torn about whether or not I could stay at home everyday. Right now working part-time is the perfect balance for our family, but when I look into the future I'm not sure how my career and motherhood will collide. 

Currently, staying at home full-time isn't an option since Eric is in graduate school.

However, I still wonder ... how do women make the decision to stay at home or work ...

I can see if you hate your job wanting to stay at home, but what if you actually enjoy and feel called to your job?

How do you make the choice between being called to your work and being called at home?
 
I'm sure it has to be a difficult decision for some. I would love to hear from anyone out there who enjoyed, or even felt called to their job - but decided to stay at home.

I know all of this is planning way to far in the future, but I can't help my mind from wondering ... what will it be like when Eric is finished with school ... when I have the option ... will I continue to work?

My mind also wonders how people do it ... financially I mean. I understand how wives of doctors or lawyers stay at home, but I wonder the average family does it. I'm especially curious about families who are in full-time ministry (since that's what Eric is currently doing). How do you make the sacrifices? Where do you make the cuts? What is "enough" to live on? 

As with other things in life, I know that I must wait on the Lord's timing ... and enjoy where we are for right now.

Anyways, I didn't plan on writing everything above ... it just kind of came out.  

What I did plan on sharing was my new adventures in the world of making homemade baby food. 

I've been having a lot of fun researching and whipping up some homemade treats for my little man. 

The only problem is ... he doesn't seem to view this as treats. 

He's been a little stinker when it comes to trying new things. He's so hit or miss. 

I can feed him one thing one day and he'll eat it great, and then the next time I try he seals his lips and cry.

The next thing in parenting that is unpredictable ... 

I should predict that things are going to be unpredictable by now!!

I'm not sure if it's my timing or if he's truly not a fan of my cooking :)
Or maybe he's just adjusting to eating solids.

Please email me  or comment if you have any tips on introducing solids ... I'd love to hear any of your "tricks." 

 Here are a few snapshots from my new hobby:

Bake

Liquify

Freeze

Bag

Just in case you're curious ...

I did the math and it would've cost me approx. $14.00 to buy this much organic jarred baby food ... and this butternut squash only cost $2!!!

Crazy savings, huh?

delish

Tonight, E and I were at Meijer picking up some last minute things for camp. We leave tomorrow morning for a week long summer camp with some high school and middle school students from our church. I am a little bummed because I can't stay the whole week. The new job wouldn't let me take off the full week. Oh well ... at least I'll be able to be there for part of it.

Please be in prayer for the students' hearts this week. Please pray that their eyes would be opened to the grace and love God has for them, as well as His divine purpose for their lives. 

On another note, while we were in Meijer, I picked up this magazine. 

I've seen Darby reference it a couple of times, so I thought I would give it a shot. It is loaded with tons of treasures. Lots of times I buy a cookbook or cooking magazine and over half the recipes are insanely complicated or contain a lot of ingredients that I don't like ... this is not the case with this one! Everything in it looks delish! Tons and tons of classic summer dishes. 

If you're looking for a little kitchen inspiration, then I would pick up Cook's Country. 

{And, no they are not paying me to say that ... although that would be fun}

I'm out of here for now ... I'll be back after camp.

knock-off furniture & a yummy dinner

I recently found this blog and I just have to share it with you. It is full of great DIY's. Everyone loves Pottery Barn furniture right? Well this lovely blogger shows you exactly how to make your own PB knock-offs. Her slogan - how to build knock-out, knock-off furniture. I am dying to build a knock-off console table from PB. Although she doesn't have the plans for this exact piece,  I can still use her how-to's to help me recreate my piece.


 Someday I will get to this project ... someday. If only I didn't have to work everyday! Work really gets in the way of all of the things I want to do. Maybe someday soon I will find a job that I am truly passionate about {I'm working on it}.

Anyways, here is just a little example...

I hope that you find a little inspiration here as well. Let me know if you end up making something. 

I also wanted to share with you all this other great blog find. On Monday night I was planning on making chili for dinner, but I just wasn't feeling it. I was feeling something creamy and full of carbs. Anyone else get these urges? I started searching and ended up with this.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

 I highly recommend it! Super yummy! I got a little lazy and decided not to take any pictures of the cooking process, but you can find the recipe here. This would be an amazing meal to make if you are planning a romantic in-home Valentine's date.

Enjoy!

that's a spicy meatball

I am almost embarrassed sharing this recipe because it is ridiculously simple. I also thought, maybe this is something everyone already knows how to do. However, I decided to share because it has been such a convenience for me.

My recipe for GIANT ITALIAN MEATBALLS

Here are the things that you will need:

2 lbs of lean ground beef or ground turkey

2 cups seasoned beadcrumbs

3 large eggs

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

4 garlic cloves

2 T tomato paste

a dash or salt and pepper

Mix all of the ingredients together. Divide and roll into whatever size meatballs you would like. I like to make them real big and just use one meatball per person.

Next, you simply add all the the raw meatball to a large ziplock bag and freeze. And now for the convenient part ... When I want a simple meal. all I do is take two of the meatballs out of the freezer, and add them into a crockpot with my favorite sauce. Easy Peasy {as my friend Lu says}. Let them cook on low all day and after about 8 hours they're ready to go.

pumpkin roll

I know it is a little late in the season to be making pumpkin roll, but better late than never right? Pumpkin roll is one of E's favorite desserts, and last weekend I finally adventured out a made it. Something about the roll intimidated me, but it really was easy {other than one little mishap}.

A couple brief and easy instructions

Beat 3 eggs on high for five minutes.

Stir in 1 cup of sugar.

Fold in 2/3 cups of pumpkin {if you have a pup, you can feed the leftover to them, they will love it}

Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 3/4 cup of flower, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Spread on well greased and waxed papered jelly roll pan. {This is where the mishap occurred. It's sort of embarrassing, but I will share so that you do not make the same mistake. Make sure you spray the oil on top of the waxed paper and not under it. In my first attempt I sprayed the pan, and then put down the paper. After baking, the pumpkin roll was completely stuck to the paper ... silly me. So repeat after me, wax paper and then spray!}


Bake on 11 X 15 pan at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. After baking, turn onto a towel.

Roll up and slightly cool.

For the cream cheese filling:
Beat 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 8oz package of cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 4 tablespoon of margarine together until smooth.

Spread on unrolled cake. Roll again. Refrigerate or freeze. Enjoy the yummyness!

pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Ingredients

• 1 18.5-ounce box yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients called for in the package directions)
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 2 8-ounce bars cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 24 pieces candy corn
  

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners. Prepare the cake mix as directed but with the following change: Add the pumpkin pie spice and substitute the can of pumpkin puree for the water called for in the package directions.
2. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tins and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool.
3. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Spread on the cupcakes and top each with a piece of candy corn.

easy asian

I thought I would spread the love to you all with this yummy recipe my sister n law shared with me. This kung pao chicken recipe is the perfect combo of easy, simple ingredients, healthy, and super delish. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do.


Here are the things you will need:
3T Soy Sauce
1t ginger
1t sugar
1t corn starch
1/2t crushed red pepper
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2c water
1lb chicken breast (cut into 1in chunks)
3t veggie oil
1 onion
2 sm green peppers
2/3c roasted, unsalted peanuts

Here is what you will need to do:

1. In a small bowl, with a fork, combine the first 7 ingredients.
2. Transfer 2T of sauce into a medium bowl. Add chicken and toss. Marinate at room temp. for 10 min.

Warm 2t oil over heat until very hot. Add chicken and cook all the way through. About 5 min.


Remove chicken to plate.

Add 1t oil and heat until hot. Stir fly onion and bell peppers for about 5 min.

Pour remaining sauce over veggies and bring to a boil. Return chicken to skillet with peanuts and heat through.

Serve with brown rice and enjoy!

As the weather cools down, I think it is about time for chili, pot roast, and as much as I hate to admit it...meatloaf. Yes, I do love a good meatloaf. Classy huh? Don't judge.

superfoods

I need to get back on the wagon. My eating habits have been terrible lately. I've noticed that when life gets busy, the first thing I start to slack on is my health. I say all of this after I scarfed down two pop tarts in the car this morning. - zero nutritious value and terribly processed.

I have decided that I'm going to take action. I commit to being more conscious of what I put into my body.

So, after I filled up on my carb-loaded breakfast, I sat down at my computer and researched some super foods. I would say I am a fairly knowledgeable when it comes to diet and health, however, I needed a little reminder of the foods my body desperately needs.

Not to mention, the pictures the internet provides make any healthy foods look yummy.

So here is a list of some of the things that my body needs...

1. Beans: They’re small in size, but big on fiber and iron. Darker-colored beans, such as black and kidney, have an even higher concentration of healthy stuff.
2. Apricots:The oft-forgotten apricot is great source of Vitamin A and other nutrients. Dried apricots are even more nutritious, and portable, than fresh ones.
3. Blueberries: Cranberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are highly recommended for healthy aging. Said to help maintain short-term memory, blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants.
4. Broccoli: It’s not hard to eat broccoli if you sauté it in a bit of olive oil and garlic. Deep-green vegetables like collard greens, kale and asparagus have abundant nutrients. Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) is also packed with nutrients that are said to guard against certain cancers.
5. Cacao: Didn’t expect to see chocolate on a super food list, right? Well, buying organic chocolate (found in most health food stores) with high levels of cacao can do a body good. Note: Snickers bars are not a healthy substitute.
6. Peanut Butter: The food that kids love is, in fact, healthy for you. Nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help fight heart disease. Almonds, in particular, are known for lowering cholesterol.
7. Turkey: Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, however, it’s always a good time to make lean, protein-rich turkey. You can cook a small breast with a side of cranberries, or substitute ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef. Unfortunately, turkey lunch meat doesn’t make the cut, because it’s typically high in sodium.
8. Cinnamon: Believe it or not, this spice is considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the world. And, no, it doesn’t count if it’s glued to the top of a sticky bun! Simply dust it on your oatmeal, your morning coffee, or even on a piece of fruit. Studies suggest that it can lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar (diabetics take note!).
   
9. Pomegranate juice: This antioxidant-rich juice has been shown to help fight heart disease and lower cholesterol. Drink a small cup of pom juice daily, diluted with water if you find the taste too strong. You can also buy blends that contain apple or blueberry juice.
10. Yogurt: Smoothie lovers, take a bow! You’re ahead of the game if you’re eating non-fat yogurt, because it’s good for intestinal health. Mix the plain stuff with some of the items on this list, including nuts, cinnamon or berries and you’re doubling up on healthy ingredients.
11. Oats: Whole-grain goodies, such as oat bran breakfast cereal (like Cheerios), oatmeal and whole grain breads are on the list because they help lower your cholesterol and increase fiber intake.
12. Avocado: Go ahead and whip up some avocado salsa, a great side dish. Guacamole is also good for you. Avocados are high-calorie, so you don’t want to go crazy eating them, but they are said to improve blood flow, which increases brain activity.

I am sure the list goes on and on ... One thing I do not believe makes the list is pop tarts!

What are some foods you suggest? Please share your personal lifestyle tricks that help you give your body with the nutrients you need! I would love to hear them.

{On a side note} I picked the photo above because it was titled frozen blueberries. I ate my first blueberry in college and I quickly discovered that I loved them - a little too much! I really enjoyed them frozen. Because they were so yummy, new, and healthy, I consumed an entire package in one night. Some people eat a bag of potato chips while they're watching tv - I ate a package of blueberries. The night after I ate the blueberries, I went to sleep like another other night. Things went south when I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible nausea. I quickly rushed to the bathroom. Now let me clarify, my head was in a middle of the night fog, and the last thing on my mind were the blueberries. All I knew was that I was SICK! If you have a weak stomach, then I would suggest you stop reading right about here.

I will continue... I started throwing up a dark red substance. In my middle of the night fog, the only thing that came to my mind was BLOOD. My mind started racing, I am throwing up tons of blood ... I am going to die! As my panic began to peak, one word came back to me - blueberries.

movie review & a cup of tea

Happy Weekend, Readers! I recently got home from a little date with E. I somehow convinced him to see Julie and Julia with me. In spirit with the movie, I had to come home and blog. It was the only thing that seemed fitting. Also, the football season seems to have begun and E is captivated by every game. While he watches every game, I feel like it is the perfect opportunity for me to blog. It hasn't come up yet, but I foresee one problem. You see, E has a mild addiction. {Since I work in with these types of things everyday you would think I could help, but I have been unsuccessful} E is addicted to fantasy football. He may disagree, but like I said I am around addictions everyday, so I feel like I can call it what it is. For the past two years, E has watched the games on the weekends and had our computer in front of him to track his points. If I plan on blogging during these games, who will get the computer? I guess we will have to battle it out...

Anyway, I liked the movie. If I were a critic, I would say it isn't one of my all time favorites, but it was inspiring. I loved that it was a true story & I loved the movie set. The things I would do for some of her copper cookware! E didn't enjoy it the same way I did. So, if you haven't seen it yet, I would maybe make it a girlfriend outing. The movie has inspired me to cook something new. This Fall I think I am going to try to bake a pumpkin roll. Something about the spirals intimidates me, but I am going to give it a try.

I have learned from watching my parents, that after a delicious meal, nothing is more fitting than a warm glass of tea. My parents have been married almost 25 years, and for as long as I can remember they have shared a glass of tea after every meal. There is something so relaxing about enjoying conversation over a warm cup of tea {after your belly is full of course}. Maybe this is one of the secrets to a long happy marriage {the conversations...although I don't think the tea hurts either}. I think that growing up with this tradition, has spurred on my love for tea. I was flipping trough a catalog I received in the mail this afternoon and I found these lovely glass teapots...

The caption in the catalog says, "why boil water behind a metal barricade? {good question} It's not nearly as pleasurable as the pure pleasure of watching water gather steam in this safe, heat-proof lab glass kettle {I agree}". I have a feeling this teapot may appear on my Christmas list this year...

One last thing, I know it's not really fitting with this post, but I want to share the new bed frame E and I recently purchased...


Currently on my list of to-do's, is make a roman shade for the windows above the bed. I plan on using this yellow houndstooth. What do you think?


Enjoy the rest of your weekend! No matter where you are reading from, go outside and catch a glimpse of the full moon. I am tempted to start talking about our distance from the moon & how amazingly detailed God is, but that another conversation, for a later post.

flat iron steak

One of my favorite nights of the week is Tuesday. Every Tuesday E and I have "date night." With our crazy schedules, it has been such a blessing to have this time each week. Last night we had an "at home date." Sometimes staying home for the night is better then any classy restaurant. I feel like I am becoming more and more of a homebody all the time. Can anyone relate?

Last night E and I enjoyed a little surf and turf! I didn't take any pictures because E did the grilling, and raw meat is not very appetizingg anyways! Our meal was delicious. E brought home fresh shrimp from SC. Another thing I did not want to post pictures of - peeling shrimp! Peeling shrimp is also not very appetizing.

E told me that he bought the shrimp "from a man with a stand at a gas station." I was a little skeptical, but I ate them anyway because I love seafood. I am not sick...yet.

We also grilled flat iron steak for the first time. I have never bought this cut of meat before, but I will definitely purchase it again. Flat iron steak is much cheaper than many other cuts of meat, and I thought the taste was just as good! I only paid $6.00 for a cut that was a little over a pound (it was plenty for the two of us). If you are trying to save some cash (who isn't these days) and you would still like a nice meal, then I recommend the flat iron steak!

Flat iron steak is packaged like this in the grocery
This is how you should slice itI know I said I didn't want to post any pictures of raw meat! So sorry! I wanted you to know what to look for.

E and I also worked on the chalkboard in our office. I will spare you the details. Let's just say it didn't go well. Things went down hill we noticed that our walls are not flat. E wants it to look perfect, but I'm about to get out the caulk and call it quits! Once we fix it I promise to post some pictures.

To relieve some stress, E and I adventured out to Sonic for some cherry limeades! They hit the spot!

All in all, it was a great date night! I highly recommend setting aside time each week to simply be together. I know it's so easy to get busy and come up with excuses about why you can't make the time, but in my opinion it has been very valuable in our marriage!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. Don't forget to set aside time to spend with the people you care about the most!

By the way, wish my luck this evening as I go to my night class. It has officially began!

zucchini lasagna

This spring I planted my first garden. It has been a great learning experience! I enjoy the feeling of planning and preparing a meal that I have put hard labor into. Another benefit of this agriculture adventure is how perticular scriptures have become real to me. One scripture that has taken on new meaning is

1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither he who plants or he who waters in anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

This verse reminds me that anything good I can contribute is really to God's credit, not mine. This verse is refreshing. When I rest in the assurancece that God is in control, I find peace of mind. We contribute to the process (watering/growing), but nothing could happen if God didn't make things grow. He is in absolute control.

When I began planting the seeds in my garden, I listed to my neighbor what I was hoping would grow. I told her that one of the plants in my garden was zucchini. Her response was "plant zucchini, feed the world." Was she ever right? We are up to our ears in zucchini. I've grilled, sauteed, baked bread, and anything else I could think of.

In an effort to decrease our surplus, E and I invited a couple friends over and served them zucchini lasagna. I was a little nervous, never having made this recipe before. I am here to share because it turned out delicious!

Here are a couple things you will need to make your own zucchini lasagna:

2 1/2 cups zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 2 medium
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 small tomatoes, cut up
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon flour

Slice zucchini and chop onion

Cook zucchini in boiling water until tender Fry meat and onions - drain fat
Add next 8 ingredients and bring to a boil - reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes In a small bowl slightly beat egg
Add cottage cheese, half of shredded cheese, & flour
Arrange 1/2 of meat mixture in a 1 1/2 qt. baking dish Top with half of the zucchini & all of the cottage cheese mixture Top with remaining meat and zucchini
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes Sprinkle with remaining cheese & bake 10 minutes longer

Let stand 10 minutes before serving
ENJOY