My 5-year-old son has started to tell me, "God's earth is like a toy". He then thinks of a million things he can "play" in nature. It is beautiful. I love the things that my children think and say. They amaze me every day.
In his words, here are some of the reasons "God's earth is like a toy":
there are fresh berries we can pick and eat
we can use rocks like chalk
there are trees and bushes to climb
mud is like glue
there are sidewalks to draw on like my easel
we can find pictures in the clouds
mud is a home for animals in the ground for us to find
we can swim in the water
we can climb the rocks and jump off
we can make castles in the sand
there are flowers to pick
there are plants and trees to get the bugs from (lately, cicada skins)
My 2-year-old always reminds us, "We forgot to pray!" So, "Dear God, for all these things, we are grateful. We love you. Amen."
Monday, August 15, 2011
God is in This
As a child, I recall not ever wanting to talk about God in school. I felt awkward enough, why talk about my beliefs that probably differed from everyone else's? However, I relished the opportunities I had to talk about the Bible and God with my congregation (at the time). Then, an unfortunate series of events took me far away from the church and faith in which I was raised.
During my teenage years, I accompanied my mother and friends to different houses of worship, only to realize that the teachings were so similar and the people just as wonderful (as in my former congregation) in every single one. That left me questioning everything I had ever learned.
Today, when I have the opportunity to discuss God with friends, I have quite a lot to say. I still have a lot of questions; but, I feel strongly about my beliefs and I am comfortable openly discussing them. I feel spiritually grounded and for that, I am grateful. It has been quite a journey.
I realized recently when I told a friend "not to leave God out of his work", that I had not even included Him in my blog. That ends today. He is ever present in my family's minds, hearts and throughout our days; and, from this day forward, He will be in my blog.
During my teenage years, I accompanied my mother and friends to different houses of worship, only to realize that the teachings were so similar and the people just as wonderful (as in my former congregation) in every single one. That left me questioning everything I had ever learned.
Today, when I have the opportunity to discuss God with friends, I have quite a lot to say. I still have a lot of questions; but, I feel strongly about my beliefs and I am comfortable openly discussing them. I feel spiritually grounded and for that, I am grateful. It has been quite a journey.
I realized recently when I told a friend "not to leave God out of his work", that I had not even included Him in my blog. That ends today. He is ever present in my family's minds, hearts and throughout our days; and, from this day forward, He will be in my blog.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Gluten Free Waffles!
When I was a kid, my mom loved to make heart-shaped waffles (she is crazy about hearts). But, she had a recipe that I was finally able to replicate...they were so good, I had to! The only waffles that have come close to these (that I have not been able to make gluten-free) was a recipe from my sister-in-law, using a sourdough starter. I found a recipe for "Norwegian Sour Cream Waffles" that was close to my mom's, added my gluten-free ingredients and, voila!
This morning, for the first time since going gluten-free, I made waffles for my family.
Gluten-Free Norwegian Waffles
5 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. gluten free flour blend (I use 2 parts organic brown rice flour and 1 part tapioca flour)
1 t. ground cardamom or ginger or lemon zest (I used cardamom for the first time ever this morning; but, my mom's way is with lemon zest...I love them both!)
1 c. sour cream (this morning, I had some part-skim ricotta I need to use up...worked great!)
4 T. unsalted butter, melted
Beat the eggs and sugar together for 5-10 minutes (I throw it in my stand mixer and wait until they are super-frothy and thick). With a rubber spatula, fold in half the flour, cardamom (or ginger or lemon zest) and sour cream (or ricotta cheese), and then the remaining flour/s.. Lightly stir in the melted butter and set the batter aside for 10 minutes. Heat waffle iron. Pour about 3/4 c. of the batter in the center (I used the belgian waffle side this morning because I did not feel like turning them around) and close the lid to cook for 5 minutes. Serve with jam (they suggested lingonberry in the recipe; but, we used strawberry jam that was just sweetened with fruit juice). Enjoy!
This morning, for the first time since going gluten-free, I made waffles for my family.
Gluten-Free Norwegian Waffles
5 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. gluten free flour blend (I use 2 parts organic brown rice flour and 1 part tapioca flour)
1 t. ground cardamom or ginger or lemon zest (I used cardamom for the first time ever this morning; but, my mom's way is with lemon zest...I love them both!)
1 c. sour cream (this morning, I had some part-skim ricotta I need to use up...worked great!)
4 T. unsalted butter, melted
Beat the eggs and sugar together for 5-10 minutes (I throw it in my stand mixer and wait until they are super-frothy and thick). With a rubber spatula, fold in half the flour, cardamom (or ginger or lemon zest) and sour cream (or ricotta cheese), and then the remaining flour/s.. Lightly stir in the melted butter and set the batter aside for 10 minutes. Heat waffle iron. Pour about 3/4 c. of the batter in the center (I used the belgian waffle side this morning because I did not feel like turning them around) and close the lid to cook for 5 minutes. Serve with jam (they suggested lingonberry in the recipe; but, we used strawberry jam that was just sweetened with fruit juice). Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My Changing Consumerism
I can't remember the last time I went shopping without a purpose. I always have a list, whether I am going to the grocery store, the mall or downtown.
There once was a time when I would just "go shopping", spending my hard-earned money (all of it, I might add) on things I thought were "cute" or "cool" or "a good deal".
I cannot pinpoint exactly the moment that I made a change to more purposeful, more conscious (in many ways!) shopping. I feel like it started before I got married; and, it must've been a gradual process. It could have been when we started shopping for furniture. It could have been that I began to have more important things to do and think about!
Also, the year we were married, we were both laid off from our jobs, we moved from Chicago to a small town (Ottawa, IL) and we bought a house. Did I mention it was the year we were married? So, juggling our wedding budget (we paid for it all ourselves), our budget for buying a house, getting appliances, and making sure we had enough to live on (and still getaway for our honeymoon) may have inspired me to do more mindful shopping. I was (and am) not only concerned about the cost and the appearance of things, but also the impact on the environment. Research, research, research. Hello, mindful shopping.
Next came tracking our expenses in order to be more mindful of EVERYTHING. After tracking our expenses for a few months, I put together a household budget. I still track ALL of our expenses. I know exactly when grocery prices go up because little pennies add up to big dollars each month; so, I have to constantly figure out where to cut back. Now that we have kids, being mindful has become even more important.
There are not only changes in prices, but in how things are made. I continue to check ingredient lists, consumer research sites and environmental sites to make sure the things I like are still the same quality. It feels good to buy the things I need and like and to stay within our budget. Try it!
P.S. I still go "window shopping", whether online or on the street. It is always nice to dream!
There once was a time when I would just "go shopping", spending my hard-earned money (all of it, I might add) on things I thought were "cute" or "cool" or "a good deal".
I cannot pinpoint exactly the moment that I made a change to more purposeful, more conscious (in many ways!) shopping. I feel like it started before I got married; and, it must've been a gradual process. It could have been when we started shopping for furniture. It could have been that I began to have more important things to do and think about!
Also, the year we were married, we were both laid off from our jobs, we moved from Chicago to a small town (Ottawa, IL) and we bought a house. Did I mention it was the year we were married? So, juggling our wedding budget (we paid for it all ourselves), our budget for buying a house, getting appliances, and making sure we had enough to live on (and still getaway for our honeymoon) may have inspired me to do more mindful shopping. I was (and am) not only concerned about the cost and the appearance of things, but also the impact on the environment. Research, research, research. Hello, mindful shopping.
Next came tracking our expenses in order to be more mindful of EVERYTHING. After tracking our expenses for a few months, I put together a household budget. I still track ALL of our expenses. I know exactly when grocery prices go up because little pennies add up to big dollars each month; so, I have to constantly figure out where to cut back. Now that we have kids, being mindful has become even more important.
There are not only changes in prices, but in how things are made. I continue to check ingredient lists, consumer research sites and environmental sites to make sure the things I like are still the same quality. It feels good to buy the things I need and like and to stay within our budget. Try it!
P.S. I still go "window shopping", whether online or on the street. It is always nice to dream!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Each Purchase, One Vote
The main reason that I make an effort to buy responsibly-produced food and products for my family is to do everything I can to ensure my family is (gratefully) healthy. The other reason is to make a difference. Every choice I make at the store is a vote for what I, the consumer, want; and, therefore, what they, the companies, should be selling (sometimes, more important is also, "how" the food is raised/products are made--fair wages, ethical, etc.).
I went to our local butcher shop because I heard they get their pork from a small farm in Wisconsin. I heard wrong. I am so surprised that the owners of this great butcher shop know everything about their meat except the farm on which it was raised. To me, that would be the ultimate piece of information. To know the source. To know the animals are treated humanely. To know what they are fed. That is how you know your meat!
I have a friend who raises cows. Guess where I get my beef? Does anyone know a pig farmer? I also know where my chickens are raised. I buy wild salmon and responsibly farmed tilapia fish (mainly). I get the most amazing eggs from a friend of a friend's free-range chickens! I love buying things straight from the source at the local farmers' market (I had the good fortune of setting the standards for the market and I know the farmers and which ones use pesticides and which ones do not, as it takes much time and money to be certified organic!).
Everyone of us wields a very powerful thing called INFLUENCE. You have the power to make a difference today--choose wisely! Find out where and how your food is grown. Find out if the products you buy are responsibly produced. If you find out something negative about a company or product, then find a company you do like and buy their products instead! Make a DIFFERENCE! Let's create a new "norm"--fair wages, fair labor practices, ethical standards, natural products, and much, much more to make our world a little better each day! Let's make our world the way we want it, a little at a time (each purchase, one vote...for your world)!
I went to our local butcher shop because I heard they get their pork from a small farm in Wisconsin. I heard wrong. I am so surprised that the owners of this great butcher shop know everything about their meat except the farm on which it was raised. To me, that would be the ultimate piece of information. To know the source. To know the animals are treated humanely. To know what they are fed. That is how you know your meat!
I have a friend who raises cows. Guess where I get my beef? Does anyone know a pig farmer? I also know where my chickens are raised. I buy wild salmon and responsibly farmed tilapia fish (mainly). I get the most amazing eggs from a friend of a friend's free-range chickens! I love buying things straight from the source at the local farmers' market (I had the good fortune of setting the standards for the market and I know the farmers and which ones use pesticides and which ones do not, as it takes much time and money to be certified organic!).
Everyone of us wields a very powerful thing called INFLUENCE. You have the power to make a difference today--choose wisely! Find out where and how your food is grown. Find out if the products you buy are responsibly produced. If you find out something negative about a company or product, then find a company you do like and buy their products instead! Make a DIFFERENCE! Let's create a new "norm"--fair wages, fair labor practices, ethical standards, natural products, and much, much more to make our world a little better each day! Let's make our world the way we want it, a little at a time (each purchase, one vote...for your world)!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Some of my Favorite Things...
Not being able to enjoy whatever I want, whenever I want, is tough! (I really did/do eat well...I just also love to treat myself!) Having previously avoided many pre-packaged foods (in favor of homemade), there are a few gluten-free "treats" I have come to enjoy!
For example, this morning my family and I tried Kinnikinick Gluten-Free Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar (in the freezer section). They were delicious! Just the tiniest difference from the "real thing".
I also finally found a bread that I love! I mean it! In the gluten-free section at a nearby Jewel, I found Schar Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread. This bread is made in Europe and the company has been making gluten-free products for decades; so, practice must make (almost) perfect! Please note that I have so far only made grilled cheese; but the flavor and texture far surpass any other gluten-free breads we have tried. Toasting or grilling gluten-free breads is probably going to give you the best results.
My whole family also loves Udi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust. I just found some in the "soon to expire" bin at our grocery store and I was even more excited to pay half price! These range from $4.99 to $6.99 for 2 single-serve (double for us) pizza crusts; but, they are delicious and still less than a restaurant, which I can't eat anymore anyway.
What I have found (from being in the practice of always reading ingredient lists) is most gluten-free products are also made with wholesome, healthy ingredients and very few (rarely any) preservatives. Hmmm...
For example, this morning my family and I tried Kinnikinick Gluten-Free Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar (in the freezer section). They were delicious! Just the tiniest difference from the "real thing".
I also finally found a bread that I love! I mean it! In the gluten-free section at a nearby Jewel, I found Schar Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread. This bread is made in Europe and the company has been making gluten-free products for decades; so, practice must make (almost) perfect! Please note that I have so far only made grilled cheese; but the flavor and texture far surpass any other gluten-free breads we have tried. Toasting or grilling gluten-free breads is probably going to give you the best results.
My whole family also loves Udi's Gluten-Free Pizza Crust. I just found some in the "soon to expire" bin at our grocery store and I was even more excited to pay half price! These range from $4.99 to $6.99 for 2 single-serve (double for us) pizza crusts; but, they are delicious and still less than a restaurant, which I can't eat anymore anyway.
What I have found (from being in the practice of always reading ingredient lists) is most gluten-free products are also made with wholesome, healthy ingredients and very few (rarely any) preservatives. Hmmm...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
These muffins are fantastic! You would never know they are gluten-free! I modified a recipe from the blog, http://iamglutenfree.blogspot.com. The blogger got her recipe from the cookbook, "Gluten-Free Baking Classics", by Annalise Roberts. I have made these a couple of times and I found it was very easy to make substitutions! Enjoy my version or yours!
Heavenly Blueberry Muffins
2 c. brown rice flour mix (I used 1 part tapioca flour to 2 parts brown rice flour; but, the original author/chef recommended 2 c. brown rice flour, 2/3 c. potato starch and 1/3 c. tapioca flour)
2/3 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
3/4 t. xanthan gum
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 1/2 c. unsweetened blueberries (I used frozen organic blueberries)
1/2 c. milk (I have used coconut milk and regular milk; the blogger used vanilla almond milk)
1/2 c. canola oil (I prefer melted coconut oil. I have also used melted unsalted butter)
2 large eggs
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
1/2 c. brown rice flour mix (see above)
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. xanthan gum
3 T. unsalted butter, melted (I want to try coconut oil, but I haven't yet)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Position rack in center of oven. Grease muffin tins.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt and nutmeg in large mixing bowl. Add blueberries and stir to coat evenly.
Combine milk and oil/butter in a small bowl; remove 1 T. of combined liquid and discard it (I did not do this the second time and it was totallly fine). Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add liquids to blueberry mixture and stir until just blended.
Fill muffin pans 2/3 full. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake 18-25 minutes until lightly golden (and spring back from touch). Remove muffins from pan and serve or cool on rack. Enjoy!!!
Heavenly Blueberry Muffins
2 c. brown rice flour mix (I used 1 part tapioca flour to 2 parts brown rice flour; but, the original author/chef recommended 2 c. brown rice flour, 2/3 c. potato starch and 1/3 c. tapioca flour)
2/3 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
3/4 t. xanthan gum
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 1/2 c. unsweetened blueberries (I used frozen organic blueberries)
1/2 c. milk (I have used coconut milk and regular milk; the blogger used vanilla almond milk)
1/2 c. canola oil (I prefer melted coconut oil. I have also used melted unsalted butter)
2 large eggs
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
1/2 c. brown rice flour mix (see above)
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. xanthan gum
3 T. unsalted butter, melted (I want to try coconut oil, but I haven't yet)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Position rack in center of oven. Grease muffin tins.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt and nutmeg in large mixing bowl. Add blueberries and stir to coat evenly.
Combine milk and oil/butter in a small bowl; remove 1 T. of combined liquid and discard it (I did not do this the second time and it was totallly fine). Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add liquids to blueberry mixture and stir until just blended.
Fill muffin pans 2/3 full. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake 18-25 minutes until lightly golden (and spring back from touch). Remove muffins from pan and serve or cool on rack. Enjoy!!!
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