Menu Plan Monday - August 29 - September 4

Well, we're down to the last couple of days before school starts.  Today I've been battling a serious case of the "back-to-school blues".  I'm sad summer is over, sad to see my kids heading back to school.  That means long days without their little voices and hugs and yes, all the mooooom's too. ;)  So this post is late getting up due to my lack of motivation.  Yeah, don't come over either..k, thanks (the house is a mess!). I'm just going to have to suck it up and pull up my big girl panties tomorrow though.  Have to make sure the kids are all ready & we are all well rested for Wednesday morning.  The menu for this week is going to be pretty easy as we ease back into a routine.

Raw Vegan Menu {Monday - Saturday}

Breakfast - Will mostly likely be mono-meals of fruit. Watermelon, peaches, grapefruit. For those that don't know what a mono-meal is; it's where you eat only one thing (i.e. peaches) until you are satisfied. It doesn't matter if it takes 2 or 5. Just eat until you are satisfied.

Lunch - Probably be a big salad, or just cut up veggies in a big bowl to munch on as I please.

Supper - Whatever is on the cooked menu, making sure I have lots of veggies (steamed lightly or raw)

Dessert - Fruit

Regular Cooked Menu {Monday - Friday}
With printable recipe cards (click pics to save & print) and links to original recipes.

Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible. Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.

Breakfast:

• Monday - Cereal
• Tuesday - Fresh fruit & cinnamon toast
• Wednesday - Eggs, toast, and sliced melon
  
• Thursday - Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oatmeal & fresh fruit
• Friday - Pancakes & yogurt

Lunch:

• Monday - Pasta and tomato based sauce
• Tuesday - Taco style lentils & rice
• Wednesday - Egg salad sandwiches w/carrot & celery sticks, peaches
  
• Thursday - Ham Sandwiches, apple slices w/cheddar cubes, pudding cup
• Friday - Tuna salad sandwiches, raw veggies & dip, yogurt
  

Supper:

Saturday: Grilled burgers, oven fries, steamed fresh green & yellow beans, salad

Sunday: Kids had friends in so I had to invent a dish to feed everyone -

  5 Italian sausages              1 (28oz) tin tomatoes - blended smooth
  3 cups of rice                    1/4 cup sun dried tomato salad dressing
  3/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Cook sausages til browned (I cooked 1/2 way, took out & cut up then finished browning). While cooking the sausages I got the rice going on the stove.  When sausages were done I added the tomatoes & salad dressing then added the rice and added 1/2 cup of the cheese.  Stirred it all together then sprinkled remaining cheese on top & let melt.

Everyone loved this!  I served it with leftover salad, fresh sliced tomatoes & cucumbers.

Monday:  Meatballs cooked in bbq sauce, served over rice, with steamed broccoli

Tuesday: Cheese Stuffed Shells, Garlic Cheese Rolls



Wednesday: Shepherd's Pie, Salad, Brownies (First day back to school - kid's choice)

Thursday:  Ham & Au gratin Potatoes, Green beans & Baking powder biscuits

Friday:  Pepperoni Bread & Salad

Here's hoping the back-to-school blues find their way out the door and we have a great week!

What is on your menu this week?
Do you have back-to-school blues? 
Do you do anything special the first day back to school?

If you would like to see more menu planning ideas head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also go over to Chive Talkin to see other great flexitarian, vegetarian, raw, whole foods, seasonal, local, gluten free

Menu Plan Monday - August 29 - September 4

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Pucker Up! Lemon Bars, Flavor of the Month, Round 1

Yes, I have found another baking theme for me to participate in! Lucky for my rear end this baking theme hosted by Bake at 350 is only once a month. :)  The neat thing is she picks the challenge and then we all scurry off to see what we can bake up to fit the bill pan.  I missed out on the first challenge which was pie, I did however bake her Texas Peach Pie and it was good!! (I have pictures and I promise I'll blog about it soon)

This month the challenge is Pucker Up! The very first thing that came to mind was lemon bars.  So that is what I made and am sharing with you this month.

I've made these lemon bars many times.  They are a summer favorite here.  Next to the ice cream cake this is the dessert I make the most in the summer.  I mean really nothing tastes more like summer than lemon bars, don't you agree?

Last night the process wasn't so easy.  I'm not sure if it was being under pressure to get it done for today's challenge or if it was baking after a full day of cleaning, laundry and dealing with children.  Whatever it was, I am surprised these turned out. ;)

First thing I recommend is putting your ipod on when measuring ingredients.  I started mixing the dough for the base and once my hands were coated in it, I began to wonder if I added all the flour to the mixture.Between the kids running through the house, the baby standing at the gate saying "up, up", the TV blaring...I was a little distracted to say the least.  I just continued on, pressed it in the pan and shoved it in the oven, hoping for the best.

Then I started gathering my ingredients for the lemon part of the bars and I discover, at 9:30 at night, I only have 2 eggs and the recipe calls for 4.  At this point I just want to call it a night, but my hubby said he would go get eggs.  What a guy!

Finally get that done, bake them and let them cool...a bit.  I was very impatient and just wanted too get it done so tried to cut them and get them out of the pan.  Yeah, don't do that.  Let them cool completely. I thought I really had messed up on the base.  This morning when I went to see what they looked like they were fine! Thank you baking gods! :)

So enough of my chatter here is the recipe so you can go make your own!

Ingredients:

For the base:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups sifted flour
1 cup butter

For the top:
4 large eggs
2 cups white sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon rind {This is optional, but I definately recommend adding it for full lemon flavor}
4-5 drops yellow food coloring {optional}

Directions:
For the base:
Mix the butter into the flour and sugar. Mix with hands until it clings together.
Press into a 13 x 9 inch pan, sprayed with Pam or greased.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

For the filling:
beat the eggs with electric mixer for 7 minutes, add the sugar and lemon juice.
Sift together flour and baking powder.
Stir into egg mixture.
Pour over baked crust.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.
Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.

 

Click, Save & Print

Pucker Up! Lemon Bars, Flavor of the Month, Round 1

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Holiday Grand Plan - Week One

Today is the day! It's the official start of the Holiday Grand Plan!  Are you excited?  A little nervous?  I am both of those things.;)  In case your not sure what I am talking about you can read all about it at Organized Christmas.

Week one is List and Porch Week. This is the week we will do all of our planning.  So don't feel as though since you didn't plan yet you can't join.  You've joined at the perfect time!

My goals for the week are: 

Lists: 

• Finish setting up my holiday binder. It's mostly done, I just need to print off a few recipes and maybe design a new cover if I have time.

• Make the following lists:

         * Start a master gift list
          * Christmas card list & list of designs to make
          * Menus for Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, New Years
          * Baking list (for us & gift-giving)
             - Molasses Cookies
             - Nauvoo Gingerbread Cookies
             - Chocolate No-Bake Macaroons
             - Oatmeal Cookies
             - Shortbread Cookies
             - Rolled Sugar Cookies
             - Chocolate Chip Cookies
             - Candies – Fudge, Toffee, Peppermint bark, Hard rock candy, Peanut brittle, Chocolate covered   pretzels, Buckeye balls
          *Freezer meals list (had a list but seems to have disappeared)

Chores:

• Flylady zone 1 – for me that is dining room, patio & entrance

          * Outdoors
            -Paint front door
            -Buy new mat
            -Paint deck
            -Power wash front of house
            -Weed garden
          * Dining room
             - Plant in shower
            -Wash walls
            -Dust & clean wall art
            -Clean ceiling fan
            -Wash curtains
            -Clean windows & windowsills
            -Clean crystal
            -Clean tables & chairs
            -Vac area rug & mop floor

This is my "plan", now how much of that I actually accomplish may be a different story.  The main thing is anything I do get accomplished is better than nothing at all.

So are you ready to get started? 
What are your plans going to be? 

I am so excited and eager to get started and to share the next 18 weeks with all of you. And, remember-make this plan (or any other plan you are using) your own. Pleas link up your blog using Mr. Linky if you are going to attempt to join me on Sundays to plan for the upcoming week & discuss how we did the previous week.

Holiday Grand Plan - Week One

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Breastfeeding and WIC {Is that an oxymoron?}

Today I engaged in an online conversation about WIC and it's role on breastfeeding success.  The person has a notion that WIC should charge a dollar a can for formula.  I don't really agree with that idea.  Now, just so you know I don't think that the idea for free formula is great because it makes it an easy choice, but I can also see another side of it.

When my second child was born I breastfed for 6 months.  At 5 months the doctors became concerned with his weight gain, or lack thereof. The doctor said she would give it a month, I went back every week or two (it's been 13yrs so hard to remember exact details) by then end of the month he was diagnosed as failure to thrive (I do remember he was only wearing 0-3 month clothing at this time) and I was instructed to put him on formula.  (Now I know there are many flaws to this, but I didn't know as much about breastfeeding as I do now so just go with me on this...) So I proceeded to follow the doctor's instructions, because after all she is a doctor and she would only have my child's health in mind.  Around this same time my husband at the time lost his job.  I was not working, and we ended up on welfare & WIC.  There was no extra income at all, nothing.  We lived entirely on what the government gave us and it wasn't much.  So dealing with the fact that I had once again failed at breastfeeding a child then imagining going into a WIC office and them telling me I needed to find 30+ dollars (infants easily go through 1 can of concentrate liquid formula a day) so I could buy my child's formula for that month - that I was told by a doctor I had to give my child, when I had no money would have been alarming & anxiety causing to say the least.

How would charging me a dollar a can for that formula have benefited me at all?  It wouldn't have! I don't think WIC charging a dollar a can for formula is going to change anything, that isn't how change is going to happen. I often think if one could only get formula with a prescription then there would be less people quitting breastfeeding so quickly and that would be changing things.  But really that's not even where the heart of change would start. I think either of those options that would be like trying to put a band-aid on a finger that is half cut off.

In my opinion change has to start in the medical community and from there we will see a trickle down effect.  Our doctors need to be trained in medical school about breastfeeding; how to give proper support and how to effectively give help when a real breastfeeding problem arises.  They need to be trained on the risks of formula and how formula needs to be a last resort not a just as good as breastfeeding replacement. At that point having formula be by prescription could be a do-able option, because the doctor would really be trying to make the breastfeeding relationship succeed. And for those mothers that really do not want to breastfeed what would be so wrong about the doctor making sure she is educated about breastfeeding and the risks of formula and then letting her make a choice. At that point the Doctor could write the script for her, knowing she has made an educated decision.

As someone who has been on WIC I know there are things that could be done to increase the success rates of breastfeeding. Formula is handed out too easily there, I agree with that 100%. The example I gave above was not my only experience with WIC.  I know first hand that they say "breastfeeding is best", "you should breastfeed for X amount of time" but at the first whimper of a "problem" they make no qualms about printing up your formula coupons.

So what do I think WIC could do to actually help breastfeeding mothers succeed? Well, first of all they could educate moms.  I don't mean offering a 20 minute video on the benefits of breastfeeding.  But instead having a real class, talking about all the normal problems that most new mothers face and what you can do when you think you have a problem..

They could ask questions.  When mom comes in and says I need 1/2 formula for the month, instead of just printing those coupons up they could ask "Why do you feel you need to supplement?". Mom might say "well I want to be able to have a few drinks on the weekends", or "I think the baby will sleep better if I give him formula at night".  They could educate the mother that she doesn't have to supplement to have a drink or two. They could educate her that giving the baby formula at night will effect her overall supply and may risk the entire breastfeeding relationship.  Maybe then that mom may decide she really doesn't need that formula after all.

What about that mom that only had 6wks maternity leave and the breastfeeding relationship is just getting established and she has to go back to work?  She comes in to get formula to supplement.  Why not educate her that she can exclusively breastfeed and work. And then offer to loan her a pump and the supplies she would need for that. (Apparently some do offer this service they just don't advertise it).

They could have a Board Certified Lactation Consultant on staff or offer a free referral to one when mom really is struggling with breastfeeding.

Those are things I feel would actually be beneficial in increasing breastfeeding success rates. I don't think charging parents who are already low income or poverty level for formula is going to change anything  positively.  How to make these changes happen? I wish I knew.  I would love to see more people succeed in breastfeeding their children and I would love to see the medical community & WIC be a part of that success.

Breastfeeding and WIC {Is that an oxymoron?}

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Holiday Grand Plan

 Did you know there is only 118 days until Christmas?  Wow where did the year go? Are you the type that likes to plan ahead and do a little here and there leading up til Christmas?  Or do you wait and do it all in December?

I usually try to work on it a little a time.  Actually the first year that I did it in an organized fashion (on purpose) was about 3 years ago.  The year before I got pregnant with little E actually.  That year Christmas went so smooth and it was so much fun.  We were relaxed and enjoyed lots of activities together. It wasn't rushed and all crazy.  It was the one year I really felt like we truly enjoyed Christmas together.  I tried to reproduce those results when I was pg (uh, 24/7 morning sickness didn't help) and then again last year.  Last year went a little better, but still not great.  This year I'm going to try again.  I figure anything I can get done is better than nothing.

So, you wonder how I am going to do this?  Have you ever heard of the Holiday Grand Plan?  The Holiday Grand Plan is an 18 week program that was written by Katie Leckey  in 1992-1993. The Holiday Grand Plan is the Web's oldest Christmas organizing plan. 

Every week (starting on Sunday, August 30th) you are given an assignment.  Part of it will be decluttering/cleaning and the other part will be holiday related. Such as making your Christmas card list, baking and making some extra meals for the freezer.  The goal is by the time mid-December rolls around you are done. Done decorating, done shopping, done baking.  All. Done. Free to have fun with your family, to really enjoy the holidays and all the festivities.

Here is what my Holiday Grand Plan calendar looks like for this year. I was thinking that every Sunday I would come make a post about what the goal for the week is, talk a little bit about what I am doing to get ready for Christmas and I was hoping some of you might like to join me.  It doesn't matter if you can't do it all, heck I there will be weeks I'll be doing good just to think about doing the assignment, but every little bit helps.

So think about it, go check out the Holiday Grand Plan website, then come back here on Sunday and let's have some fun getting ready for Christmas!

Holiday Grand Plan

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Change is Good

Well, I'm sure you can tell by now I've done a little change here on my blog.  What do you think?  I decided last night something had to be done.  I was getting distracted by all the stuff in my sidebars on either side of my posts.  It was far too busy.  I think the layout now is easier on the eyes and it looks much cleaner.

The theme probably won't be sticking around for too long.  I'm working with Nicole from GrudgeMom Graphics to come up with a new pretty theme for my blog.

 I'm so excited.  She has done some beautiful work.  Go check her out. She's not going to charge you an arm and a leg for her work either.

In the mean time please leave me a comment and tell me what you think of the new layout.

Change is Good

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Wordless Wednesday - Future Olympian

Wordless Wednesday is sponsored by GeneaBloggers,
but the main site for WW entries is here.

Wordless Wednesday - Future Olympian

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Crafty Tuesday - Altered Composition Books

Ok I finally finished my craft. I swear it wasn't supposed to take so long, but the baby had alternate plans for me today. :) Next week this will go up much earlier, I promise. I already know what I am going to do for next week's craft, so will soon get it done and then I can get a post all ready to go. Wow, that'll take some organization on my part but I think once I get this underway it's going to be a lot of fun.

This week I decided to make altered composition books. I actually made 3 - one for my son (who asked for it) and one for each of the kid's teachers. I like to send in a little gift to welcome in the school year with a little note, telling them a little about my kids and giving my phone number, offering to help when I can.

What you need: {What I used}

• 3 composition books
• Paper cutter
• Scissors
• Adhesive
• Martha Stewart Bat Punch
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Ghostly Greetings DSP (12x12)
  
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Hawaii Papaya DSP (12x12)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Good Morning Sunshine DSP (12x12)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Basic Black Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
  
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Kiwi Kiss Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Summer Sun Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Tangerine Tango Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Chocolate Chip Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
• 1 Sheet Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock (8 1/2x11)
• Block Sander
  
• Sizzix Wingo Zingo Alphabet
• Xyron Create-a-Sticker

What you need to do:

1. Cut your pattern paper to 6x10
2. Cut your coordinating cardstock to 10x4
3. Cover the back side of your patterned paper with adhesive and line it up with the open edge of your composition book. Repeat on the back side.
4. Take your coordinating cardstock try to center it over the spine of the book and fold it over. (Do not score or your score lines will show.) Then put adhesive on the back of that paper and apply to the spine of your book.
   
   
   
5. With the leftover coordinating cardstock run it through your sizzix to make your Notes letters.
6. Then put the letters through the Xyron Create-a-Sticker and apply to the Whisper White cardstock.
7. Cut out and matte on another coordinating cardstock, cut and adhere to notebook
   

My finished notebooks

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Crafty Tuesday. If you have any questions about the project just leave a comment & I'll do my best to help. Have a great day & go get your craft on! :)

More links to altered composition books:

• Video tutorial with Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Angie Kennedy Juda
• Mini Altered Composition Notebook {I've also made these - very cute for a liite book to put in your purse,ect}
• Christmas Altered Notebook

So grab the button if you like & Join with Mr.Linky. :)

Crafty Tuesday - Altered Composition Books

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White Chip Chocolate Cookies - 52 Cookies in a Year, Week 1

Southern Girl's Nest is hosting 52 Cookies in a Year! When I saw this I thought it would be fun to participate. I do love to bake but I always seem to bake the same recipes over and over. Oh they are good recipes but it's always fun to try out something new, so I thought this would be the perfect way to expand my cookie recipes.

This week I picked White Chip Chocolate Cookies. The idea was from Southern Girl's first week of cookies. I've never made them and I really wanted to. Her recipe called for white chocolate bar, and I didn't have any of that on hand. However I did have a bag of white chocolate chips begging to be used. So off I went on a search for a recipe that I could use those in. Here is what I found...

These are sooo good. Melt in your mouth good! The recipe I used made about 5 dozen cookies. I took half and put in the freezer so they didn't get gobbled up in no time. :) They are that good!

Here is what you need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour {I used 1 cup white flour & 1 cup whole wheat}
  
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package of white chocolate chips

Here is what you need to do:

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into butter mixture. Stir in white chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. {I used a cookie scoop to do this - quick & easy, plus uniform cookies. It also increased the amount of cookies made to 5 dozen}
   
3. Bake 8 to 9 minutes. (Do not overbake; cookies will be soft. They will puff while baking; flatten upon cooling.) Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Click to save to your computer & print

The orginal recipe can be found at Hershey's Kitchen. Head over to Southern Girl's Nest to see what others are putting in their cookie jar this week.

White Chip Chocolate Cookies - 52 Cookies in a Year, Week 1

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Getting Ready For Back To School

Photo by Brandi Tressler

It's that time of year again. I have to be honest, I don't look forward to back to school. I really love having my kids home with me, sleeping in, enjoying snuggles in the mornings and fun activities. The kids however (mostly) are starting to look forward to it. I think they are ready to get back into a routine and part of me is too, I'll be honest, I have some things I need to accomplish. I think they are ready to get back and see their friends, see what their new teachers are going to be like, and of course they are excited about the new school supplies, clothes and shoes. Who can blame them there? :)

So in order to get things organized here at home for school I have a few things I do and I thought I would share them with you today.

First thing is I setup is a school binder. This gives me a place to put all the things they bring home that I need to keep track of, such as lunch menus, calendars for the month, classroom newsletters, ect. This way when I need to find out what is for lunch or if the kids really have that day off school I know exactly where to look. Mornings are hectic enough without a frantic search for papers put who knows where.

In my notebook I have a few sleeved page protectors. That is where I put things I print off to use during the school year. Our schools are peanut-free, so every year I make some Avery labels that say "peanut-free snacks". This way when I make a homemade treat for my kids the teachers will know that it is peanut free and will allow them to eat it. I also print out some Avery labels that have my children's names, teacher's names and classroom number on them. I use these for things like book orders, field trip money, anything that I need to put in an envelope.
For my daughter I like to print or make some little lunch box notes and slide them in one of the page protectors. My son is now embarrassed by those little notes so I don't torture him with them anymore.

I've also found a few things online that I like to print a few sheets off and have ready to use.
The first one is a School Note from Family Education. This is a note you can fill out for absences, dismissals, & permission to go with. I could write a note easy enough but I like how neat this form makes it all. The form now is in .pdf format, when I first got the form a few years ago it was in .jpg format. I'm going to go ahead and share it with you since I've shown you the source.

(Click to save to your computer and print)

I find it very easy to print out with the Windows Printing Wizard. I print out 2 to a sheet, using the 13x18 cm size. You'll want to take a look around the Family Education site, they have a lot of really great articles & printables. Even more great things for Back To School as well.

Another thing I like to print off (for the younger kids) are some Notes from Mom. These are found on the abcTeach site. There are tons of great printable resources there that are free. Great for practicing new skills at home & for the little ones that don't get to go to school yet. You can print some things off and they can have "school" with mom for a little bit.

So that's the notebook, what about all those other things kids need? Well, for our elementary school we just pay a fee and they provide all the school supplies. For my daughter all I pick up is an extra 2 pocket folder of her choice, so that she has a place to put homework, notices from school. My son's middle school provides a list of what supplies he will need at the end of each school year. I know that some stores also provide a list of what you school requires for school supplies too.

For clothes - I do not buy them a whole new wardrobe for school. The first thing we do is go through all the clothes they have now. We see what still fits and is in good condition to be worn to school. Then I add in as needed. They always get at least one brand new complete outfit (pants/shirt or dress or whatever they want to wear for the first day back - that's half the fun of going back to school). Then of course they will get brand new socks, underwear, sneakers and backpacks. I've discovered over the years that spending the extra money and buying sneakers that cost a bit more initially saves me money in the end. We were getting sneakers from your typical retail store (Wal-mart, Zellers) and about 2 months later we were having to replace them. So better to just go for the better quality stuff to start with.

So that's pretty much how I get ready for back to school. Have any questions or want to know more about anything I do? What are some things that you do to make sure that you and your children transition smoothly back to school?

More Back to School Resources for Parents:

• Back to School with Family Education
• Kaboose.com - Back to School Fun for Kids
• Back to School Fun with Family Fun

Getting Ready For Back To School

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Menu Plan Monday - August 22- 28

I don't know about you all, but I had a fantastic weekend. I was able to get a lot of work around the house done. Something that hasn't happened in awhile. For a change I don't feel like am completely drowning in the housework.

It started on Friday night, we went and bought groceries. This was something I always did before I had the baby. That way it left the rest of the weekend for whatever. Grocery shopping always seems to take so much longer on Saturday or Sunday. I guess because everyone else is out getting theirs too. Friday night we were in and out of the grocery store in an hour! Got to love that. I'm thinking I'm going to try getting back into that habit.

Saturday morning when I got up I really wasn't in the cleaning mood. I decided to make a list and plug it into Random.org's sequence generator. A Twitter friend that told me about using the generator to scramble up the list. Somehow though it always seems to give me the chore I am dreading first. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. ;) Anyhow I was able to get the house clean. Not perfect or anything but people can come visit and I won't die of embarrassment now. And I feel like I am ahead enough that I can start cleaning deeper - closets, cabinets, and the like. That is a nice feeling.

Sunday we were on hurricane watch. So I got up and put supper in the crock; that way it would have time to cook through if we lost power later and it would still stay warm in the crock for a few hours. Then I proceeded to make chocolate chip and blueberry muffins, and white chip chocolate cookies. I'll share those recipes with you later. :) So all in all it was a nice productive weekend. :) And I'm already making plans for next weekend if the weather is nice (hint - outside work).

On to this week's menu plan...

Raw Vegan Menu {Monday - Saturday}

Breakfast - Will mostly likely be mono-meals of fruit. Watermelon, peaches, grapefruit. For those that don't know what a mono-meal is; it's where you eat only one thing (i.e. peaches) until you are satisfied. It doesn't matter if it takes 2 or 5. Just eat until you are satisfied.

Lunch - Probably be a big salad, or just cut up veggies in a big bowl to munch on as I please.

Supper - Whatever is on the cooked menu, making sure I have lots of veggies (steamed lightly or raw)

Dessert - Fruit

Regular Cooked Menu {Monday - Friday}
With printable recipe cards (click pics to save & print) and links to original recipes.

Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible. Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.

Breakfast:

• Monday - Cereal
• Tuesday - Fresh fruit & cinnamon toast
• Wednesday - Eggs, toast, and sliced melon
  
• Thursday - Waffles & fresh fruit
• Friday - Fresh fruit & yogurt

Lunch:

• Monday - Pasta and tomato based sauce
• Tuesday - Taco style lentils & rice
• Wednesday - Egg salad sandwiches w/carrot & celery sticks
• Thursday - Ham Sandwiches & side salad
• Friday - Tuna salad sandwiches & raw veggies

Supper:

Saturday - BLT's/Grilled Cheese w/bacon, Sliced tomato & cucumbers, chips

Sunday - Crock Pot Italian sausages & meatballs. Served on homemade hoagie rolls (homemade hamburger buns shaped into hoagie rolls), sprinkled w/shredded mozzarella cheese. Macaroni salad & chips.



Monday - Slow Oven BBQ Ribs, baked potatoes, corn and salad


Tuesday - Roast chicken, rice, steamed broccoli & cauliflower (fresh)


Wednesday - Grilled sausages, oven fries, steamed green & yellow beans (fresh)

Thursday - Chicken fried rice (using leftovers fromTuesday) and oven baked egg rolls


Friday - Pepperoni Bread & Salad

That's my plan for this week. What's on your menu this week? If you would like to see more menu planning ideas head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also go over to Chive Talkin to see other great flexitarian, vegetarian, raw, whole foods, seasonal, local, gluten free menu plan ideas.

Menu Plan Monday - August 22- 28

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Menu Plan Monday - August 15- 21

Yes, I know it's Friday. :o) But remember how at the beginning of August I said I was going to *try* to put my menu up each week this month. Well, so I'm 4 days late at least I'm still here. :P
And never know maybe this will help you get your menu plan together over the weekend. Sometimes we need a gentle nudge shove to get things done. At least I know I sometimes do. :)

Okay so I'm not going to bore you with a bunch of chatter today, since I'll be doing this again on Monday, I'll just get right to the menu.

Raw Vegan Menu {Monday - Saturday}

Breakfast - Will mostly likely be mono-meals of fruit. Watermelon, peaches, grapefruit. For those that don't know what a mono-meal is; it's where you eat only one thing (i.e. peaches) until you are satisfied. It doesn't matter if it takes 2 or 5. Just eat until you are satisfied.

Lunch - Probably be a big salad, or just cut up veggies in a big bowl to munch on as I please.

Supper - Whatever is on the cooked menu, making sure I have lots of veggies (steamed lightly or raw)

Dessert - Since the blender is out of use, it'll have to be some fruit.

Regular Cooked Menu {Monday - Friday}
With printable recipe cards (click pics to save & print) and links to original recipes.

Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible. Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.

Breakfast:

• Monday - Cereal
• Tuesday - Fresh fruit & cinnamon toast
• Wednesday - Eggs, toast, and sliced melon
  
• Thursday - Waffles & fresh fruit
• Friday - Fresh fruit & yogurt

Lunch:

• Monday - Ham Sandwiches & side salad
• Tuesday - BLT's, raw peas & fresh fruit
  
• Wednesday - Egg salad sandwiches w/carrot & celery sticks
• Thursday -Pasta and tomato based sauce
  
• Friday - Tuna salad sandwiches & raw veggies

Supper:

Saturday - at hub's sister's place

Sunday - Eat out on the way home

Monday - Pasta Sans Fagioli (Finally got around to making this)

Tuesday - Sub Sandwiches (made @ home), chips, veggie sticks

Wednesday - BBQ burgers & hot dogs, steamed zucchini, sliced tomato & cucumber

Thursday - Pizza

Friday - *thinking* supper out at restaurant. Have coupon for buy 1 get 1 free, and kids eat free. So would only cost about 12 dollars for a family of 5 to eat out. Pretty good deal, I'd say.

There was my plan for this week. Let me know what you think! :) If you would like to see more menu planning ideas head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also go over to Chive Talkin to see other great flexitarian, vegetarian, raw, whole foods, seasonal, local, gluten free menu plan ideas.

Menu Plan Monday - August 15- 21

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The Lactivist in Me

*disclaimer - this post is going to be about public breastfeeding. If you don't like public breastfeeding or you don't want to read about it, then stop here.*

Photo from Chim Chim's Photostream on Flickr

Breastfeeding in public. It sure is debatable isn't it? I guess when you get down to it nearly everything about breastfeeding is open for debate. Where you feed your baby, how often you feed him, how long you are going to breastfeed, the list goes on. It really surprises, hmm no that's not even the word. Nothing regarding breastfeeding surprises me any more.

Let's talk history. Do you realize humanity wouldn't have even survived as long as it has, if it weren't for breastfeeding? For ages if a mother died during childbirth a wet nurse was brought in to feed the baby. Oh the horror! Someone else coming in and breastfeeding a child that wasn't their own! Can't imagine anyone doing that these days? Ahh someone did. You can read Baby Moses' story here. It's 6 months later and he is still being cross-nursed. His dad sure knows the importance of breastfeeding.
Did you know the bottle wasn't even invented until the late 1800's? Did you know that "formula" was only invented to be used in extreme cases - when a wet-nurse couldn't be found. It was never intended to be used the way it is being used today. But someone saw the opportunity to make a buck and now formula is being toted as a great alternative to breastfeeding your child.
Nothing is as good as breastmilk - don't be fooled.

So what is my point you ask? My point is, not always has breastfeeding been such a thing that you need to go do that in private. It's not everywhere that women are told "use a little modesty" or "cover that up". Breastfeeding is normal!! Yesterday on twitter I offended someone by being the lactivist that I am. I don't mean to offend. I also know that you can't "hear" me talk. You don't know the tone I am using, all you can do is read and guess. Tone says a lot.

Yesterday I was pretty mild - I wasn't even riled up. ;) Others were yes, and you know what, I feel they have every right to be. The offending message wasn't just about having some modesty while you are breastfeeding in public. Yes, I completely get that these comments were not directed right at me personally. But I do breastfeed in public and who's to say that next time they won't be directed at me. What's even more offensive is the fact that the guy said he wouldn't care if she was breastfeeding in public if she was "hot". Oh yeah, that makes all the difference in the world (sarcasm here folks).

What's offensive to me is that people see breasts everywhere. You see them on magazine covers, in magazine ads, on music covers, on TV commercials (breasts barely covered by an arm). You see more breast in some low cut tops, and in bikini tops that you ever would when someone is breastfeeding their child. But the minute someone sees a baby at the breast, eating, it's all "have some class", "use a cover", "be a little modest".

I take great offense at being called "fat, ugly hippies" just because I am breastfeeding my child wherever he is hungry. What I look like has absolutely nothing to do with feeding my child.

I take offense at someone saying to a breastfeeding mom "go do that in private" or "go do that in back". As if that is something rude. Breastfeeding is not rude...it's food! People eat in public all the time. As a person that has issues with watching/hearing people eat I would love to tell some people to go do that in private. Can you imagine the backlash?! But somehow because a baby is breastfeeding (eating when he is hungry) it is ok for anyone to tell that mom to go do that in private?? I don't think so! Why shouldn't a breastfeeding mother be allowed to enjoy the same activity that everyone else is? Be it watching a baseball game, enjoying a meal out with her family, going to the movies, worshiping in church? In all of those activities there should be enough going on that you don't have to sit and stare at her feeding her child. You can um I don't know actually watch the baseball game or movie. You could enjoy a conversation with the person you are having dinner with, oh or you could actually pay attention to what the Pastor has to say this Sunday. You don't have to stare at her - look away. How hard is that? Why should a breastfeeding mother have to cover up or go do that in private when it is you that has the problem not looking?? (I'm using the word you in a general term here).

The majority of breastfeeding moms are decent/modest. We don't all sit down and wait til everyone is watching and then "whip them out". Most of us, even if we don't use a cover (and I get some people are more comfortable using one. That's fine!) are only pulling up our shirts just enough to get the baby latched on and trying to keep that breast from being fully exposed when we are in public. I know for me personally trying to use a cover is like a circus act. E can't stand them and he never could. Even as a tiny baby he would try to wiggle out of them. (Who can blame him really? Ever tried eating with a blanket over your head?) I would be trying to keep the cover covering, holding my shirt down because he's going to pop off, and holding my breast so he can get a proper latch. I'm sure you can see the issue here - I do not have enough hands. The problem is that even though many of us are being modest, that isn't enough. People want us to cover up with a blanket or go into a "special" nursing room or even the bathroom. When all we are doing is feeding our babies, nothing more. We aren't shoving our breasts in your face.

Babies give off a lot of clues they are hungry - the biggest being crying. So you hear the cries, you see a mom pick up her baby and start fumbling with her shirt. You know exactly what is going to happen. ( I promise she doesn't have a bottle warming up in her bra.) So if you are going to be offended by the mere fact she is going to feed her child - then look away! Don't continue to stare and then give her dirty looks, make rude comments, suggest she cover up or go elsewhere. She isn't the one with the problem. Obviously if she would be more comfortable using a cover she would be using it. If she would be more comfortable breastfeeding in private she would have picked up the baby and went looking for a nursing room. She's comfortable, if you aren't - don't look.

I honestly don't mean to offend people with my lactivism. I am just very passionate about breastfeeding of all babies, everywhere and anywhere.

Video made & posted by BabyREADY

The Lactivist in Me

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Menu Plan Monday - August 8 - 14

I'm back for the second week in a row! Yay me! :) Last week I was asked to be in a friend's wedding next summer. While I was really honored that she felt I was important enough in her life to share that special day with her in such a way, I was horrified that I would have to have my picture taken. Not just once, but likely many many times.

Needless to say I've spent the past week thinking about what I need to do to make myself at least comfortable with having my picture taken. I don't want my insecurities/self-conciousness to get in the way of her special day. Given that I have a year to make this happen, I think it's definitely do-able. Not in the put it off kind of way but in the way to lose weight in a healthy way and learn to keep it off. I'm not aiming to look like a model or anything, just to look better and be healthier.

I've been working on eating raw for...oh wow for 7 months now. I know the benefits, I feel the benefits on the days when I am able to stick to about 90% raw. Those days are few and far between though. I have the best of intentions, but we all know habits die hard. When you've eaten cooked food all your life and you love food, not just eating it but cooking it as well, it's really hard (for me) to just turn my back on all that yummy goodness. So what to do? Well, I think I'm going to take a "Fit for Life" approach. I'm going to do my best at eating raw foods until supper time and then allow myself cooked foods. I'll include a salad or a heafty serving of veggies of course. I still want to do my green smoothies at least once a day as well. I do have to get a new blender though (yes, again!). The one I just bought - I was making margaritas one night and the glass pitcher cracked all the way up the side. :( I really wish I could afford to get a BlendTec. Ahhh well maybe one day.

I'm also going to start doing some sort of exercise daily. Yes, Daily...every single day. :) I have the Wii Fit, and the Wii Gold's Gym Cardio Workout so both of those would really help me. I know not every day I will be able to do that. So I'm thinking on the days that I can't get on the Wii I'll at least do the No Excuses Workout (free 6 minute one) a couple times a day. Something is better than nothing, right? Eventually I would like to try shredding, but let's not get too far ahead of myself. :)

Well enough about all that, let's get to the menu for this week!

Raw Vegan Menu {Monday - Saturday}

Breakfast - Will mostly likely be mono-meals of fruit. Watermelon, peaches, grapefruit. For those that don't know what a mono-meal is; it's where you eat only one thing (i.e. peaches) until you are satisfied. It doesn't matter if it takes 2 or 5. Just eat until you are satisfied.

Lunch - Probably be a big salad, or just cut up veggies in a big bowl to munch on as I please.

Supper - Whatever is on the cooked menu, making sure I have lots of veggies (steamed lightly or raw)

Dessert - Since the blender is out of use, it'll have to be some fruit.

Regular Cooked Menu {Monday - Friday}
With printable recipe cards (click pics to save & print) and links to original recipes.

Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible. Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.

Breakfast:

• Monday - Cereal
• Tuesday - Fresh fruit & cinnamon toast
• Wednesday - Old Fashioned Blueberry Oatmeal
  
• Thursday - Waffles & fresh fruit
• Friday - Fresh fruit & yogurt

Lunch:

• Monday - Ham Sandwiches & side salad
• Tuesday - Quesadillas (on homemade tortillas) & homemade salsa
  
• Wednesday - Egg salad sandwiches w/carrot & celery sticks
• Thursday -Pasta and tomato based sauce
  
• Friday - Tuna salad sandwiches & raw veggies

Supper:

Saturday - Went to the cottage & in-laws brought supper

Sunday - Grilled steaks, sautéed mushrooms & onions, boiled new potatoes, corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and brownies



Monday - Grilled steak and veggie sandwiches on mini French baguettes (use leftover steak, mushrooms & onions), Crash Hot Potatoes (using leftover potatoes), steamed fresh green beans, and leftover coleslaw.

Tuesday - Calzones and Salad

Wednesday - Pasta Sans Fagioli, Garlic Cheese Rolls & Salad (didn't have last week, because we had tons of leftover carnitas to eat)



Thursday - Grilled burgers, oven fries & veggies

Friday - Ordering Pizza (last day before heading out of town for the weekend) or use up leftovers.

So there you have my plan for this week. Let me know what you think! :) If you would like to see more menu planning ideas head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also go over to Chive Talkin to see other great flexitarian, vegetarian, raw, whole foods, seasonal, local, gluten free menu plan ideas.

Menu Plan Monday - August 8 - 14

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Organic Girl Giveaways - Mega Post!

I've been following the Organic Girl blog for a little while now and finally decided I needed to share her blog with you. She has some fantastic giveaways going on for the babies in your life. So if you have a baby, you're going to have a baby or you know someone who is going to have a baby, go over and check out her giveaways. I promise you won't be disappointed.


The first giveaway is a jungle themed baby gift basket from Gift With a Basket. This basket includes: 7-bib gift set with a different day of the week embroidered onto each bib, an after-the-bath towel with hood, baby wash mitt, rattle, wash clothes, brush and comb set, adorable receiving blanket and fun links toy! ($76 value).

I am hoping to win this for a good friend who is due to have a baby this fall. I really think she will love it!
*Ends August 12th*


The next giveaway is a 'Peanut' shirt by Parade from Cuddly Bunny. The Cuddly Bunny company carries a wide variety of baby gear items for your baby essentials and gift needs! Head over to their site to see all the great things they carry.

I think this little tee shirt will look so cute on my little guy. :)
*Ends August 10th*

Another giveway is this beautiful Pink and Posh Diamond Peony Hat from Pink Bowtique.

"Made with an extra large blooming pink varigated peony securely affixed to a top quality cotton hat. A beautiful silver plated rhinestone jewel sits in the middle of this pretty silk bloom, making it shine!"

Go over to the Pink Bowtique and check out all the other gorgeous handmade hair bows or baby head bands.

I am hoping to win this for the same friend that is due to have a baby girl. :)
*Ends August 14th*

The next exciting giveaway is 1 pair of toddler booties and 1 pair of baby booties from BePe Baby.

I am hoping to win the toddler booties. I live in Canada. In case you didn't know it gets cold here in the winter. My little man needs these little slippers. :)

They are cute, and I love the patterns on all the slippers. These aren't your grandma's slippers. These are some pretty stylish slippers for your kids. Go check them out and enter to win a pair for your little one.
*Ends August 24th*

The next giveaway I want to talk about is a $40.00 Gift Certificate to Chick Pea Boutique.

Chick Pea Boutique offers everything from wooden toys to, Siliskin Bottle Covers, Bamboo Bowls to designer shoes. And everything is super cute! Top quality items to chose from.

If I were to win this gift certificate I think I would chose the cute little JellyCat Rollo Monkey for my little guy, since he loves monkeys. And I would also get JellyCat Truffles Lamb for my friend who is going to have a baby soon.
*Ends August 31st*




This next giveaway is for a package of Ultra Plus Power Laundry Detergent (thats approx. 70-90 loads of laundry) from Norwex Healthy Green Living.

I really like that there is no harmful to the environment chemicals in this laundry detergent. That is very important to me. I also like how many loads of laundry it does and that you only have to use 2 tsp to do a whole load of laundry!

It's safe for newborns and people with sensitive skin or eczema.
*Ends August 24th*


This is a great back to school giveaway - You Name It Baby! is offering a free personalized lunch box for one lucky winner!

The lunch box I would choose is at right. It's called the "Pink Ponies Lunch Box". My little girl is very much into ponies and her favorite colour is pink. I call that a lunch box made in heaven. That's not the only reason though. You Name It Baby! lunch boxes are lead & mercury-free! That's very important to me.
*Ends August 12th*



Next up is a huge giveaway from 3 Little Monkeys. This is a fantastic giveaway. One lucky (I hope it's me) winner will win a Baby Hawk Baby Carrier, a pair of "Ivy league" baby Legs, a Bamboo Spork, a Bummis small bioliner, a set of 3 Sage Creek Organic washcloths. That is a sweeet deal! The one thing I am most excited about is the Baby Hawk baby carrier. I just love wearing Little E and the carrier they are offering is so pretty! The other item I am estatic over is the baby legs. I want a pair of those for E so badly. I think they will be fantastic when I am wearing him this fall and his pant legs ride up. That way his little legs will still stay warm. :)
*Ends September 15th*

Ohhhh how I want to win one of these Baby Hawk Baby Carriers. This one is being offered by The Cloth Diaper Shop. I want one of these carries so badly because I have fallen in love with wearing E on my back. I had to send back the borrowed wrap I was using to do it and if I won one of these I would be back in business. This one is fantastic because the colour of the carrier is pretty gender neutral. Which means daddy could use it. He was so not using the wrap - no interest in that at all. But one of these looks more like a backpack than anything else. So we could take turns wearing E. :)
*Ends September 15th*


Another fantastic giveaway that she is hosting is from baby bellies. They are giving away a jar of their Belly Envy Belly Cream and a baby bellies stainless steel water bottle. baby bellies entire skin care line uses only natural ingredients to hydrate and sooth the skin. I'm all about natural products to use on our bodies and around our home.
*Ends August 31st*

This next giveaway is another great one! It's 2 pair of Monkey Legs from a great Canadian company - Monkey Legs! What cute styles they offer! For the longest time I thought that the leg warmers were pretty much for girls - in their little dresses, nighties, ect. But then I saw their site and realized wow boys can wear these too! What a great thing to put on E when we are baby wearing him in the fall. And what about in the winter when you just going shopping or something so you don't want to do the whole snowsuit thing, but when you pick them up their pant legs ride up...brrrr. This will keep his little legs warm. He needs a pair of these, don't you think? :)
*Ends September 4th*

Last but not least is a sweet giveaway for a little girl or boy. Bamboo Bebe is offering one long sleeved kimono (pink or blue) and one pair of 100% bamboo socks. Are they not the cutest things you have ever seen? Yes, I am once again entering this in hopes of winning for my friends little girl that is on the way. :) She would look so cute in one of these.
*Ends September 5th*

So that's all the giveaways for now. Told ya it was a mega post. ;) Organic Girl is always adding new ones. So go over and check them out. You know, you can't win if you don't enter. :)

Organic Girl Giveaways - Mega Post!

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