Reclaiming The Home

A few of my favorite things

My mornings are pretty simple.  I sit down with a bowl of cereal, my journal, and a cup of coffee (normally not Starbucks, but I have an amazingly sweet hubby who decided that I should have a non-fat, sugar-free double vanilla extra foam kinda morning - he also got me the GORGEOUS wooden journal in the photo there).

(I'm so lucky!)

What Kev knows about me (and puts up with, bless-his-heart), is that I have a HUGE journal addiction.  We'll call it a collection, but truly... its an addiction.  I am rather picky about my journal collecting, and am on a constant search for the perfect journal.  These each have their very own amazing qualities that I love.  One thing you can always count on is that I will love any journal that Moleskine produces.  I've even converted hubby on that fact.  Here are just a few of the journals I have within reach this morning (3 of which, are Moleskine)...

Do you have any collections or little obsessions?

Reclaiming My Health.

Those of you who started out the year with weight loss goals, I hear you.  Hang in there.  You are not alone. 

For the past 10 years I have set weight loss and health goals at the beginning of the year and every year I end it weighing more than the last.   I am determined this year will be different, and I realized that in order to get a different result, I would need a different tactic.

About this time every year... just a week or two in, I would start to feel it.  You know what I'm talking about - that pull to give in JUST a little because you've been working so hard.  That frustration you feel that this is a LOT of work and you know its going to take a LOT of time.  Its disheartening.

I have decided that for me, the best way to find success with my health is to do things ONE step at a time.  It sounds time consuming, but it can't be any worse than spending 10 years wishing I were thinner. 

I also have a theory that by constantly making healthier choices one at a time, you keep your body on its toes, and as a result it should ideally not stall out or stagnate with weight loss like it does if you're on a consistent diet and exercise plan for a long period of time.

My theory is this... its too much change on the body to shock it into losing weight by changing EVERYTHING at once - diet, exercise, etc. Your body can't take it and you literally feel MISERABLE.  Fat, calories, sugar, and caffeine are all components that your body has learned to burn at the rate it is used to burning it at.  Changing any that up is bound to be uncomfortable, because the body resists change like that, but changing it all at once can put your body into a severe phase of withdrawl.

That is when the temptation gets worse, your motivation wanes, and you physically feel like poo.  In short, its awful.  Because of this awful-ness, its often hard to stay excited about your progress, and you feel the temptation to "cheat" just a little, because you've earned it by sacrificing so much.

I'm not a doctor, mind you... these are just the ramblings of an experienced dieter, and someone who wants a change.  One that will last and not make me miserable in the process.

Because of my theories on all of this, I have been doing things a step at a time. My first week of the year I cut out sugary sodas. The rest of my eating was normal. just no soda. My options were other non-sugary drinks, but caffeine is okay (taking out sugar & caffeine at the same time is too much at once in my opinion, and frankly, I want to keep the caffeine).  I also made a rule that I had to drink my water before I could have any other type of drink. 

It really hasn't been as hard of a change as I expected it would be!  I used to drink about 5 glasses of Coke a day, and when I say glasses, I mean the really tall ones.  As a result of just this small change, I know I have cut out nearly 1000 calories each day that I would normally take in, just drinking soda.  That is a huge change and one that will seriously trigger health improvement in my body. 

I am starting to exercise a little as well. I have been alternating doing Pilates for as long as I can do it, and then walking with a friend. I am setting a goal of 3 times exercising at least 20 minutes this week. This change isn't incredibly dramatic in that I am not physically really sore or exhausted.  I'm doing things I enjoy and in small increments.  The change isn't painful and it is something that will ultimately improve my health.

Next week, I want to try for 5 days of exercise (3 of those being walking), and taking new vitamins & a fish oil supplement for heart health.  I will continue with my drink changes, and will institute a rule of no eating after 9pm (I usually stay up past midnight so this is a goal of eating no more than 3-4 hours before bed).  I will gradually move the time to eat at night up each week until I am only eating dinner, and no snacks before bed.  Its something I want to ease into.  Still, that change will make a difference in the end!

I'm working up to my goals, really giving myself the entirety of 2009 to reach them, and not working so hard that I am miserable in the process.  I want this to be a transition for my life to change.  I would love a quick fix, just like any one of us, but in my experience, they are often so hard to accomplish that for me, it has been near to impossible to do.  This tactic, however, seems like something I can do without feeling neglected, miserable, or too tempted.

I am trying to face my demons, and to look at these challenges as small changes.  I'm not looking at where I want to be in a year.  I'm looking at what I can do this week to be healthier.  The year will continue and my health and weight will change either for the better or for the worse whether I dwell on it or not.  I'm focusing on my goals in small steps and reaching successes along the way that allow me to ease into a life of healthier choices without feeling bad.

I'm not telling myself that this whole year has to be diet and exercise and sacrifice.... I'm telling myself that by the end of the year I want to be happy with the changes I have made for my health, my body, my appearance, and my self esteem.

I do have goals that I would like to reach, which help me pick what changes to make.  By the end of 2009 I would like to be eating healthy foods that nourish my body in proportions that provide the nutrition and satisfaction I need to live a healthy life.  I still want to enjoy food, but I don't want to be a slave to it anymore.  I would also like to be running regularly by the end of the year. 

I did not make specific weightloss goals because the only thing I can control is what I put into my body and how much energy I put out of my body through exercise.  My body will respond with the appropriate healthy response for weight loss as I continue to make healthier choices.  I dont' want to put a number to it, because if it is going in a positive direction, that is all that matters.  This is a life change and I *will* eventually get there.

Any change forward is a positive one.

Mini-Burgers To Go!

One of my favorite things to cook for my hubby is a giant batch of mini hamburgers.  I usually use rolls from the day-old bread rack at the grocery store.  These I got in 2 packages of 15 for $1.50 (so 10-cents a roll).  Then I get lean hamburger in a 3lb package (about $5), and make about 30 mini burgers (total cost = 27-cents per burger!!)

To make them, you start with 1 lb of hamburger meat and you squish it into a baking pan.  The best way to do this is to use a small, flat-sided glass (or mini rolling pin) and roll it out in the pan so that its flat, and solidly one piece.  You don't want it more than 1/2" thick.  Thinner is okay as it will shrink and get thicker.  Sprinkle with onion powder and a little bit of pepper (this is a VERY important step!)

Bake them in a preheated 350* oven for about 15-minutes or until the meat is cooked through.  When you take it out, it may have separated some, but that's okay - you can work around it. 

Chop the burger into squares that will fit on your rolls (should get about 10).  Cut your rolls in half and place burger on roll.  Stick in a baggie (or wrap in foil) and freeze individually.

Repeat this process 3x and you have a hamburger for every day of the month.  Perfect, cheap, lunch.

For sack lunches, snag one and you have a DELICIOUS main course that will thaw and be ready for microwaving/eating by lunch time!  (Hubby just sticks his in the dash to cook in the sun, but I do not know the food safety of this, so I would recommend reheating a more traditional way, lol.  Also be sure to pack with an ice pack.)  You can of course add toppings like you would on any hamburger.  My favorite is lettuce, a bit of onion, a slice of fresh tomato, some mozarella (melted on the hot patty), and crisp pickles.  YUM! 

My kids love them too!

Comforting Chicken Soup

Its cold season and that means its also chicken soup season!  For many of us with the current state of the economy it also means its time to budget and pinch our pennies.  This recipe will show you how to make a mouth-watering bowl of chicken noodle soup that will give you at least 10 servings for about $3.50 (that's about 35-cents a serving!).

The first thing I'm going to talk about however, is saving your vegetable scraps!  This is so important.  Anytime you make a salad, or use fresh veggies for ANY recipe, save the bits and pieces you would normally throw away - like celery root, carrot tops, tomato tops (the part that attaches to the vine), peelings, etc.  Save them in a baggie in the freezer, and then you have a perfect base for your soups!!

Comforting Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

~Vegetable scraps (about 2-3 cups) (free from the freezer)
~2 chicken thighs (about $1)
~1 can carrots (50-cents for store brand)
~1 can green beans (50-cents for store brand)
~1 pkg rotini noodles (about $1)
~2-3 potatoes, washed and cubed with peels on (about 50-cents)
~Water
~Spices (oregano, thyme, parsley, garlic or onion powder, salt, pepper to taste)

Directions:

~Fill a pot with vegetable scraps and water.  Boil about 15-20 minutes or until you have a nice broth. Gently scoop out vegetable pieces and toss, reserving broth in the pot.
~In broth, add spices to taste.
~Put chicken thighs in the water and boil about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken to a cutting board, reserving broth in pot.
~Put potato cubes in the broth, and boil until soft - about 15 min.
~While potatoes are boiling, debone and shred chicken
~After potatoes have been cooked, add in noodles, carrots and green beans.  Cook an additional 10 minutes or so, until noodles are done.
~Add in chicken. 
~taste and reseason if needed.

*NOTE: You may need to add water throughout the cooking process.  This will not overly-dilute the taste, but will add volume to your soup, so don't be afraid to add more water!

This can be served up with some delicious garlic bread or a side salad as well!  My grandmother loves to eat this with cheese toast. Yum!

Vitametavega-Gummies

We have been incredibly busy around the Rose Household, painting, ripping up carpet, installing new flooring, hanging curtains, and replacing towel racks.  The list seems to never get shorter, however, and so we carry on.  As a result, I have been lax in posting, and I hate that about the busy times, but it makes the days I find a moment to write all that much sweeter, especially when it includes such tasty goodness as this!

I made fruit juice gummies today!  I tried this recipe, found over at epicurious.  I didn't have the cute little molds, but I went ahead and made them anyway, pouring them into an 8x8 pan sprayed with cooking spray just before pouring, and then cutting them into small cubes after 2 hours of setting time.

The texture is a bit different from your traditional gummy but it is still very tasty, and a WONDERFUL way to get fruits into your little ones in place of artificially flavored, dyed, and sugar-packed gummies you'll find at the store. 

There are only two ingredients in these gummies: juice and gelatin.  To get the most punch per gummy in vitamins I chose to use V-8 V-Fusion juice.  There are vegetables in these gummies, and even better, my children will eat them!

The general review by children is that Abbi thinks they are the best thing since pickles (which, if you know Abbi, you can certainly understand what a big deal this is.  We go through a gallon of pickles every 2 weeks).  Anna seems to think they are just okay.  Probably a little splenda or added sugar would go a long way in making these more appealing to kids who have tried and/or are used to the flavor in the sugar packed gummies available at the supermarket.

One thing I would like to experiment with, is using fruit juice concentrate in place of "regular" juice.  I think that would give the expected flavor punch that storebought gummies have, but without compromising fruit as the main ingredient (aside from gelatin).  As it is, the flavor is there, but subtle.  Concentrate would also add to the sweet factor without having to add in extra sugars.  If you give this a try, let me know what you think.

Since we are doing so much packing and preparing, we have been sure to include the fridge and pantry in this effort as well.  As a result we are creating some unique concoctions, trying to find ways to use up what we have on hand before the move.

The above photo is of an experiment we did tonight altering this recipe to make something we hoped would be similar but wound up as a dense, ooey gooey loaf of deliciousness instead. 

Darn. ;)

Essentially we cut out adding sugar and fresh fruit to the batter, and instead supplimented 1 1/2 cups of homemade blackberry freezer jam.  Its not what we expected, but the best things rarely are. 

It isn't something delicate or pretty to serve to company, but if you are up for a night snuggled with the family on the back porch, watching the fireflies dance around your children as dusk settles.... well, there isn't much that can top this, I think.

Dinner Challenge! Southern Sausage Apple Bake

Over at the Sommer Designs blog, she has posted a 5 night Dinner Challenge! I’m going to take her up on it starting Friday night! I’ll be sure to post photos and recipes here.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, post here, and be sure to link us up (and on Sommer’s blog too!) when you do post your dinners! Photos are optional! Yum!

To start out, gather your ingredients.  You'll need:

~4 apples
~1 Tbs olive oil (not pictured)
~1 pkg of kielbasa (or any similar type sausage - turkey kielbasa works great and is low fat)
~2 pkg of cornbread mix (we used Martha White this time, but have also loved the Jiffy Mixes and they are also SO cheap!!)
~1 cup milk (can substitute for water if needed)

The first thing you'll want to do is peel your apples.  Be sure to keep your peels & your cores to make potpourri later (i'll post a pic & instructions at the end of this post!)

Once you have your apples peeled, you'll want to slice them into thin slices.  Put them in a pot that has been drizzled with olive oil, over medium heat on the stovetop.  Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.

While your apples are simmering, slice your sausage into 1/4 inch slices, and preheat your oven to 400*F.

In a medium bowl, mix your cornbread mixes with the milk, stirring well. (note: 2 year olds think this is the best part)

Once your apples are done, you'll want to pour them (and their juices) in a 9x13" baking pan.  Add in the sausage and distribute evenly throughout the pan.  Pour the cornbread mixture over top, gently spreading around with a spatula or back of a spoon.

Place entire thing in the oven, and cook for 20 minutes (or until top is lightly golden) at 400*F.

Makes 6 hearty servings!  (and always gets rave reviews around here!) :)

Now... to make the potpourri!  Use your apple peels and cores (dont worry about seeds, etc, its all fine).  Put them all into a pan, sprinkle with cloves (crushed or whole are both fine), and about 1/2 cup water.  Put on simmer, and enjoy!

WIP's, Trades, and Treasures

Quilting is one of my favorite crafts. 

I have been quite obsessed lately with the beautiful images I've found all across Flickr, and have been busy creating bits and pieces for the girls' bedroom based on some of that wonderful inspiration!

Here's a quick peek at a quilting piece (or is that pieces!) that I'm working on for some extra girly decor... Completed photos will appear later this week!! :)  I'm also working on putting together some kits (not all girly), along with in-depth tutorials for everyone from advanced to beginners. :)  Lots of fun ahead!

As a part of this quilting binge I've been on, I decided to visit our local quilt shop, The Quilting Bee.  I got some GORGEOUS quilting thread.  I know... you're thinking "its thread.  get over it..." but seriously!!! Its gorgeous :)  I cant wait to have an excuse to use it.  If I could get this thread anywhere else in town, I would... but for now, its my only source.

I also came away with a LOVELY bunch of fabric scraps.  The Quilting Bee offers a huge bin of fabric scraps that patrons can browse through and fill a plastic baggie as full as they can for the whopping cost of $5.  While that may not be the best deal as far as yardage is concerned, it is PERFECT for small quilts, accents, trims, etc.  Its the virtual Whitman's Sampler of the fabric world.  Swoon!

After leaving The Quilting Bee, I decided to go to JoAnn's for the bulk of my fabric shopping.  I am on a "stash diet" (*ahem* scraps don't count), except for items that are for other people.  I am making a quilt for my dear friend Debra, and needed to get some fabrics to make it work exactly the way I'm hoping....  These were what spoke to me as I waded through the aisles and aisles of beautiful fabrics...

Outside of the crafty part of my world, and back into the real-life homemaking part of my world, I thought I'd share one of my tips/tricks that helps me out a LOT day-to-day.  I try to make our own "fast food" so that we don't go out to eat very much.  I focus on easy items unless I'm feeling particularly creative and happen to have a chunk of time on my hands.  Tonight, I decided to whip up a classic that my mom used to make for my brother and I when we were kids.  Sandwich-in-a-bowl.  YUP! 

I know, I know... not the most appetizing photo on the planet.  But trust me.  YUM!  I snapped this straight out of the fridge in a rush to get back to blogging (I'm on a roll tonight!). 

Basically, I just made chicken salad sandwiches.  You can use any type of sandwich you like - ham and cheese, PB&J, Tuna, whatever strikes your fancy. Then you just slice it into little finger-sandwiches and layer them in a Tupperware container or bowl.  When you get the hungries, just reach in and grab a couple!  They make a much healthier snack than potato chips, are easy to pack for a snack-on-the-road, and even work in a pinch for a rushed dinner if you throw in a piece of fruit or a salad.  Instant hit!

I also like to sneak in some fruits & veggies in these sandwiches since my kids LOVE to eat sammies but dont like their produce quite as much.  For this particular sandwich I included finely chopped apples.  I also like to include chopped up grapes, but didn't have any this time around!  They add just a bit of a crunch (but have the same color as the chicken, so it doesn't stand out) and add just a hint of sweet, which works wonderfully with the salty chicken & mayo!  Yum!

If you want to try out this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & let me know what you think!!

Chicken Salad:

~1 Lg. can of chicken
~2 Tbs. light mayonaise
~2 Tbs. dijon mustard
~1 Tbs sweet pickle relish
~1/2 apple, chopped finely
~1/2 cup chopped grapes (optional - and yes - its VERY good!!)

Mix well and you're done :)  yummy!

Little Surprises....

Don't you just love it when things work out just perfectly... and maybe even a little better than you planned?  I know most of us live in the real world where the dishwasher breaks, you lose your keys when you're running late, and you inevitably trip in front of your old flame at the grocery store.  But some days..... some days are just better.

This week I haven't been posting as much as I would have liked to, because life has been so busy... and busy with good things I might add.

Hubby renewed his contract with his job for three more years, and got a great promotion that he's been waiting for, for a very long time.  The contract renewal we were expecting, but the promotion was a wonderful surprise that we weren't planning on.  We're thrilled!  Congratulations hubby :)  I'm proud of you!

In other news, I've been being homey. 

I've made it a point to bake something every day this week, and it has really just added so much to my day.  My family has literally scavenged every last crumb of the bread, cookies, and muffins that have been made this week, and I suspect we will be leftover-free this weekend as well.   Yum!

Fall has also made its way through Oklahoma finally.  November is usually when it sets in for me that the seasons are changing, and autumn is in the air.  We went outside tonight to play with the kids in the back yard and could smell wood burning in fireplaces throughout the neighborhood, keeping families cozy and warm, while we played and enjoyed the brisk air outdoors.  Leaves are finally falling, and our yard is littered with pecans just waiting for us to pick them up and sprinkle them into a cake or pie for a real taste of fall.  This is truly one of my favorite times of year.... *happy sigh*

With the changing of seasons comes holidays a plenty.  I am working feverishly on gifts, and have been turning to the stash for inspiration.  I had some of this fall-toned chenille yarn that had been in my stash for ages.  I knew my mother would like something made with it, but I was not sure what would work.  It doesn't have a lot of give, so I couldn't make a hat as I had originally wanted to.  She uses large purses and lots of leather, so I knew that she couldn't really use a handbag.  There wasn't enough to make a substantial scarf.  So what is a girl to do?  I saw some inspiration on Ravelry, where crafters had created drawstring bags.  I thought I might be able to do that, and it might turn out to be a cute stocking stuffer.

Well.... as it turns out, I love it. 

I think mom will love it too.  The chenille really made a difference in the elegance of the bag.  It has now turned into a very sweet, elegant gift that I think will make mom smile.

I love when things work out so unexpectedly well.  :)

Yummy in my Tummy

Something about beef stew just warms a person from the inside out.  Its completely perfect on a chilly fall day like today.  After having been completely inspired by my dear friend, Robyn, who was telling me all about her delicious stew the other day, I woke up this morning with a hankering for this tasty dish.  Unable to go to the store, I used what I had in the cupboard to create a hearty stew, and I am proud to say that it was a raging success tonight!  Here is the recipe if you would like to try it sometime!

~10 oz beef sliced into bite-size pieces (i used a single T-bone steak that we had in the freezer, but you can use any cut of meat)
~1 can corn (do not drain vegetables)
~1 can green beans
~1 can peas
~1 large can whole stewed tomatoes, chopped.
~4 baking potatoes, washed, and cubed
~1 onion, minced
~2 stalks celery, chopped
~2 cups beef or vegetable stock
~dash of salt
~pepper to taste

Pour all ingredients into a crock pot or slow cooker, and turn on high.  Allow to cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Best served piping hot with fresh bread (biscuits, bread, or cornbread)

The Flavors of Fall

Happy Monday my friends.  It appears that it has finally started to feel a bit like fall around here.  We had a 90* day yesterday, and then a cold front moved in last night, bringing the season's first cold snap to our excited doorstep.  We adore autumn here, and welcome it with open arms, and windows. 

One way that we celebrate this beautiful season is with the season's first loaf of fall bread.  Something about the soft bread, hot from the oven, with the crisp crackling crust tickling my tastebuds, just makes fall set in for me. 

It could also be that my excitement for this tasty treat is also in its beauty and display.  Pictured here is the bread dish we have been using the past few years.  I love it, but I also wanted something with more of a fall theme.  My momma surprised me with a beautiful pumpkin platter that will be perfect for displaying our bread throughout the season.  It is my new favorite dish, and will be used quite often!  Pictures of that to come soon.  For now, here is a taste of fall from our cozy little homestead.

This tasty recipe first appeared in the article The Secret of Great Bread: Let Time Do the Work, by Mark Bittman in the November 8th, 2006 New York Times.

Adapted from Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery

Time: About 1 1/2 hours plus 14 to 20 hours rising

- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting [I used bread, also suggested is substituting 1 cup whole wheat flour*.]
- 1/4 teaspoon instant [aka Rapid Rise, QuickRise, Instant Active Dry, Perfect Rise, or Bread Machine Yeast] yeast
- 1 1/4 [1 3/4] teaspoons salt
- Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 [1 1/2] cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees. [I put it on top of my fridge.]

2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal [rice flour was suggested as it won't get gummy]; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart [about a 4-quart pot is preferred] heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 [10 or 15] minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Yield: One 1 1/2-pound loaf.