What is Processed Food?

When I try to explain to people that we have been giving our diet a healthy makeover, one of the first things I mention is that we've cut out most processed food (we're still working on it too). I often hear the question "What is processed food?".
I have also noticed that when I talk about something that is "homemade" or "I made from scratch", many people will claim they do the same, when in fact, many of the ingredients in their "homemade food" are not from scratch.
I thought I might answer some of those questions from our perspective, after about 6 months of changing our diet and lots of research too!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

I was just writing in my journal how thankful I am for my family. This is exactly why I feel to write in a journal. As I do, I have a chance to review each day and count my many blessings. Check out this video: In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Schools Kill Creativity

Some more videos/thoughts on education (with a little humor)

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com
Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution

Thanks Meggan for sharing!

Cravings

Craving: an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing
(Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)

I've been thinking on and off again about "cravings". Reading that definition really makes you want to call it something different, does it? Many pregnant women typically have cravings. During my first pregnancy I escaped with very few (though I had some intense aversions to certain food). This pregnancy I seem to have more cravings. Interestingly, my husband seems to have them much more often than I do! Recently I've noticed, everyone has some kind of craving (which may in fact not even be food... but that's another post). Here are some observations and ideas about "taking care" of pesky food cravings.

Halloween Grinch

I have affectionately named myself the "Halloween Grinch". Here are all small things that bug me about this "holiday":

1. I don't want to spend money on a costume my child will wear once.
2. I'm not very creative or even comfortable dressing up (nor can I make a costume creatively for cheap...I've tried).
3. I REALLY don't want my child eating a whole bunch of candy and getting sick with all of the other trick-or-treaters (who put halloween at the beginning of flu season anyway..or is that what STARTS flu season...?).
4. I don't like being scared, scary movies, being afraid, etc.
5. Honestly, what are we "celebrating" anyway? Nothing! Though it's not longer really considered a "pagan" holiday, it still has it's origins in one (which is why some religions don't celebrate it at all).
6. It's a really UNSAFE holiday. Ever since I was small I always feel scared on Halloween night, even if I'm not going outside. Who knows what crazy person will show up at your door, or even at your church party (seriously...I've heard stories).

That being said, I somehow feel "sad" I'm missing out on all the excitement of this time of year. Who's not getting a pumpkin and picking a cute costume, right? Yet, "missing out" is not a real reason for me to want to "celebrate" Halloween (just like the excitement of the first day of school with all of the pictures and cute new outfits alone can't justify me sending my children to public school).

While I still decide what to do here are some ideas I've recently read/heard (please comment with any ideas you may have):

Quality Time in My Kitchen

It's almost finished! My kitchen, which we started remodeling at the beginning of the year, is almost done. In fact, it's hard not to put everything else off and just work on the kitchen because I CAN SEE THE END!
With everything from painting and sanding to cooking (or experimenting), I've spent a lot of quality time in the kitchen lately. It was a big goal of mine to improve the health of the food we eat this year. While I'm still not where I want to be (baby steps...baby steps...), I ran across a menu of ours from the very beginning of this year and laughed! I don't think we eat ANYTHING on that list anymore. It's been a crazy adventure and one I consider a worthwhile life-long pursuit.
I thought I'd take a minute to list some of the new recipes we've tried and what we thought about them (5 stars being the highest). I'm not the kind of person to go out and buy every little detail for a recipe, so I've added what we have experimented/tried/changed in the recipes too. ENJOY!

ReUpholstering

...is not as hard as it sounds. My sister Cristina has been doing some research on different blogs and got a real craving to do it. Since she's not sure what will happen with her current couches, I told her to come help me do my kitchen chairs. I had to shorten the curtain fabric anyway, so we had some extra material to use that already matched my new (well still coming along) kitchen.

Here are the steps:

1. Take off the old fabric. This is the hardest part and I recommend getting a strong man (like my husband) to do it, or using a good staple remover. Make sure to note (we took pictures - another blog suggestion) how the fabric was stapled/attached so you can reattach in the same way.

2. After carefully removing the fabric, use it as a pattern to measure and cut your new fabric the same way. Make sure that they face the same way when you cut (both fabric "bottoms" down, or both "tops" down).

3. Pull the fabric over the surface again (making sure to evenly pull) and staple in place, as was done with the old fabric. I found it helpful to have two people at this point - one pulling and one stapling. (Guess we needed one more to take a picture)

4. Reassemble the furniture.

Cristina said that all the blogs she looked at the ladies waited until their kids were in bed and they had pictures of them in their pj's :) We just had to do the same (at least I'm in pj's).

In addition to the new fabric, we also spray painted the chair a dark brown. For about $7 (for all of the chairs) this was MUCH cheaper than buying a new table. They even look brand new. The best part is it can be done over and over again!

Whole Wheat Waffles

Since we have been switching over to a healthier lifestyle, this has been one of our favorite breakfasts. The batch makes about 3 breakfasts for our family, so I usually make the whole thing and freeze the rest for quicker mornings.

Whole Wheat Waffle Recipe

Some recipe notes -We like the use almond milk, but it makes the batter too thick so we do 1 c. water, 3 c. almond milk. It does make them a bit sweeter too. I find them more filling the regular waffles and they aren't a huge jump for people who don't usually use wheat flour. We also use whole white wheat.

The other thing that makes waffle eating less healthy is the syrup - wow! Even if you make your own "from scratch" at home, it is A LOT of sugar/sweetner. The pure, organic maple syrup at the store gets pricey if we use it every time we make waffles. Here are some fun additions we like to put on our waffles as a syrup replacement: peanut butter (Adam's is a favorite brand - no added sugar), fruit syrup (homemade strawberry, blueberry, mixed berry, peach, etc.), a drizzle of honey (usually we do this for a snack). These make the waffles even more healthy and provide variety.

Parenting

Parenting

What a beautiful reminder & blessing to parents!

This is HARD work...

So, I have a confession to make. When I was growing up I always wanted to be a mom. It seemed like it was going to be easy. I liked to clean and cook and "I'm so a hard-worker so FULL of engery! What's the confession? It's not as easy as I thought it would be. In fact, it is hard work being a mom.

Mexican Bean Salad

This is one of my favorite healthy recipes! I usually keep a bowl in the fridge on snack on it during the day. I love it in fresh tortillas or with tortilla chips too. The recipe - Healthfied Mexican Bean Salad. I don't usually add the salt and often substitute the green onions for whatever onions I have on hand. I also like to use fresh beans (I make this with the leftover pot of black beans) and corn.

Moody Blogger

I was on this endless search for the perfect template and background that just screams "AMY!" and I couldn't seem to find it. Even if I was satisfied, I would shortly change my mind and the hunt began all over again. It was then I realized I am a moody blogger. I suppose my blog changes with the mood, season, or even just the sake of breaking up monotony. I suppose that is me. I am a moody blogger.

Consider the Lilies

Last night I took my final quiz and will soon be officially receiving a certificate as a "Family Herbalist" from the Dr. Christopher School of Natural Healing. I loved the course and I found that I am still craving more knowledge! What an exciting beginning it has been.

The use of herbs medicinally is a debated topic. Though my mother dabbled in natural ways of healing I still found it odd and felt unsure what to think. I had a close friend and roommate who used herbs in college and that was the beginning of my experimentation. When I became a wife and home-maker though, I found a desire to live healthy. I slowly tried to change our diet to be more healthy, hoping to correct some of Austin's health problems that began to emerge. After becoming a mother, I became even more frustrated with the medical profession being unable to help with health issues, or worse, prescribing medicine whether or not they thought it would do anything. I met a few new friends in my ward who also used herbs and/or we very careful about their diet. All of these were personal preparations for me and little building blocks.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Please follow this link to watch the video. It is for mothers. It is for those considering motherhood. It is for those who wonder about motherhood and those who doubt motherhood. This video is for everyone to watch and remember the importance of this divine, eternal calling.

The Business of Being Born

After receiving many recommendations for watching this movie, I got anxious to watch it & even got a free Netflix trial so I could. Sadly, I didn't even make it to the halfway point before turning it off. Let me be clear about my feelings about this movie. Please do not misunderstand me. I think it covers the sad story of birth in our country and helps to encourage people to better study their options before deciding how to birth. I am pro-"natural" birth and am glad that Ricki Lake, etc. took the pains to discover what is really going on with birth in our country (especially compared to similar countries around the world). The findings were interesting and depressing at the same time.

Leadership and Self-Deception

This is a really short read by The Arbinger Institute that will change the way that you look at your problems. I loved reading it! There are just a few too many examples that slowed the pace, but otherwise an easy to get through book (not including that time you feel to take for self-analysis). I love books that make you think!
In general, it discusses the nature of humankind to excuse ourselves (weaknesses, problems) by magnifying the faults of others. Self-deception sets in when we don't check ourselves and we begin to act in a way that seems "normal" to us but is really counterproductive our intended purpose. It also covers our opportunity to make choices everyday and that everyone can be a motivating leader by making correct choices and following the golden rule.
Fabulous book that is the answer to the business (which is mainly focused on) & family ills of the day. I found myself wondering what gospel topics are covered (only under a different name) in this book - repentance, forgiveness, self-less service, etc. (all Christ-like attributes). The best part is not that the book encourages these, but that during reading you will find yourself pondering what areas you are "in the box". I'm putting this book on my "will read again" list for sure.

Education Options

Some may think I'm a little too hasty, but Austin & I have already decided to "home-school" our children. There are LOTS of reasons for choosing this, but here are just a couple:

1. Content. This means a couple of things including (but not limited too) a more quality education, specific to their interests, including God & real truth. The last is the most important to me. God is an all-knowing, loving Heavenly Father & any truth we gain comes from Him. How can we take Him out of learning? I hate political correctness, especially at times when it means my children can't be told that God really did create the world. "That's one theory" they say. In my home, I don't have to worry about being politically correct by disguising the truth. In addition, I think the gospel can be integrated into so many more subjects and I am excited to accomplish that through home school. (Ex: Number 1 on my mind: Constitution was inspired by God, so what does He have to say about it?)

Why coupon?

A couple more "steals"...

For Memorial Day weekend my sister and I went "free shopping". We didn't buy it if it wasn't free. Of course, we used coupons and rebates to make the items free. It was fun to see what we could dig up at her Walmart. We ended up paying $0.17 for tax (the original total was $25.63) Here is what we got.
I went with my mother-in-law just yesterday (helping her see how to get things "free") and bought about $50 worth of items for $0.09! I loved coming home to show everyone.
My father-in-law keeps telling the kids he'll pay them a percentage of his savings if they do it for him. The best was my brother-in-law who said "Amy, I hope I marry a wife like you!"

Saving money through coupons isn't just about hording stuff or even just saving money on my monthly budget. You can give items you get for free to a woman's shelter, or canned goods for food drives. There are always people who could use these items. I also recycle my papers at the local elementary school and they get paid per paid back to the school. Then the items I buy with box tops for education (like ziploc containers) I cut and also take into the school. I love how helpful it can be to so many people!

Peach BBQ Talapia

I'm not really a big seafood person, but lately I have become a "grown-up" about the situation, broke down and bought some Tilapia (a mild fish) on a great sale, and tried it. Surprisingly, it was delicious. We used one of Paula Dean's recipes for Peach BBQ sauce. I'm not a huge fan of her recipes (pretty unhealthy), but this one is not too bad if you cut down the oil by about 1/2. You could also add some mango (we had some on the side, but I think next time I will throw it in).
A lot of people commented that the BBQ was way too much for the recipe, and they were right! So I froze the leftovers in a muffin tin ("ice cubes"), then put them in a ziploc bag in the freezer. I wouldn't exactly say I'm a seafood lover now, but I feel so much better about my food choices when I choose things that are healthy and not always because I "feel like it" or "it tastes good". Plus it is an adventure that provides for some fun discoveries in the world of taste!

High #2

Today I went back with a friend who is relatively new to couponing. They restocked this morning and we wanted to make sure we got the good deals, but I wouldn't say I am a "crazy"... there were 2 other girls there who really were crazy (run to the deals, cut in front). Here is the deal I snagged:
All of this and the total came to - $0.04!!!!!!!!!! That's right - just 4 pennies from my wallet. Now, you have to understand I used the catalina's from yesterday (which I took of my total), so I don't want to count them twice.
Here is the final Smith's double coupon event total:
Groceries worth: $160.24
Total Price out of pocket: $17.67
If you want to know more go to www.savvyshopperdeals.com

I'm on a High!

I decided to work on my kitchen cabinets (yes...still) today and hoped to get them done, but something kept telling me there was something I was supposed to do today. I kept pushing the feeling off because I usually just do housework Monday. I took a break about lunch time and remembered....THE SMITH's DOUBLE COUPON SALE!!

It was stressing me out! I was so worried they'd be out of everything when I got there! I didn't get there until 2 p.m. today (some people were there at 2 a.m.!!). BUT, I am happy to report afterwords that - I am on a serious high from this coupon deal!! Check it out:

Smith's is doing double coupons (any coupon under $1 they match so it is a$1 off).
Here's the end of my receipt. What it doesn't show is that I got $6 back to spend on my next purchase at Smith's! So, I got $126.39 worth of groceries for $12.67!! I LOVE COUPONS! Here is a snapshot of all the stuff I got. It's not the best(you can't really see the cover girl eyeshadow and the McCormick seasoning) but I had to take it as fast as I could. When I got home and unloaded the grocery bags to take the picture, my husband and little boy started ravaging through it trying to grab their fav's and open them up!

One last "wow" picture - this is the receipt! Over half of it is coupons...crazy!! The guy behind me in line (after about half the coupons were scanned) was like "Wow, she's going to end up paying you for those groceries!" I wouldn't complain!!
Now with such an awesome deal you should know there were a couple of things they were out of I was planning to buy (too bad...it would've been even sweeter). I may go back 'cause I hear they are restocking tonight. If you want to know more about how to save money on your groceries, check out www.savvyshopperdeals.com - it's my favorite couponing site :)

Mother's I's

It started about a month ago. I started thinking of Mother's Day and wondering if my husband would remember me enough to do something special. As Mother's Day came closer I started dropping more hints and found myself thinking more and more about how I should be appreciated. Sad, huh? Then all of these horrible things started to happen, from people whispering about me with my tantrum child in the airplane to a horrible day with Cadence at church (and everyone else seemed to know what his problem was).
I was complaining to some friends about how little credit we get as mother's. Then some flowers and candy arrived unexpectedly from a friend wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. I began to feel really pathetic. I had been complaining about my role as mother and thinking about how little credit I get for the work I do. I had been thinking about one thing - MYSELF!

Without Easter There Would Be No Christmas

I was thinking a lot this year about the Easter holiday. We do all of these special things during Christmas to bring the Spirit of Christ into our lives. But what about Easter? For our family, it's never been "as big" or as anticipated as Christmas. So, I spent last Christmas trying to make it less commercial and this Easter trying to make it "more important". For without Christ's resurrection and glorious victory over death, we would not be celebrating Christmas either.
On my brother's mission, he had a companion whose mom sent them a package. In the package was, due to their family tradition, 8 easter eggs. Inside each egg was a symbol of Easter, along with a scripture. Though my brother could not remember all of the symbols and all of the scriptures, I thought this would be a fun way to combine something in the spring that represents new life (easter eggs) with the symbols of Christ. I came up with some of my own symbols/scriptures that I felt were important to remember. We open one each day, the last one always being opened on Easter Sunday. Here they are in order.

The Invisible Woman

My husband's mother sent this to me (I don't even know the reference). To everyone who is a mother and has days where they wonder if they are doing any good - this one is for you!!

I'm Back!

I have been contemplating what I really want to use this blog for. The truth is, I feel like more people read our family blog, so I'd like to post more personal, passionate things there. However, I think most people go to that blog to see what's going on my family life. So I decided to keep my passions here. Be on the look out for more posts again on saving money, natural birth, being a mommy, improving my homestead, and other items I'm passionate about.