In seven days my little family will be taking a mini-vacation. SEVEN days. I better make it.
This will be our first out of town, road trip experience as on our own, and I started planning it out of blue one day. I had this desperate desire for a break. We all just need to get our of this house that isn't our settled nest and have some fun together, so we're going to New Orleans. I haven't been in years (the year before Katrina was my last visit) so it's going to be like reuniting with a long lost love!
I've spent the past couple of months trying to dig myself out of this pit I got us in, yet again. Dreading being in the kitchen, eating out way too much, letting the laundry pile up for days, arguing, yelling, laying around all day doing absolutely nothing, and just not functioning well as a family.
I overwhelmed myself reading up on lifestyle choices and trying to take ours 'to the next level.' We've spent the last four years informing ourselves and slowly changing things in our diet and lifestyle. I felt like we kept reverting back to certain things and wanted to step up our game after enduring another rough spell of eating out and inactivity. I've done it before, and I did it again....I nearly sent myself into because of grains. Grains? I know. In 4.5 years I can cut out alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, soda, candy, junk food, fast food, most refined foods, buy organic produce and dairy (excluding our slip ups of course) and it's not enough. When I learn about something new I have this "all or nothing" attitude. It completely sabotages our efforts and we end up having to start all over. (BTW, the grain issue is extremely important and for some people their health depends on immediate action, but we're not in that situation and I was being way too hard on myself instead of taking day by day baby steps
Twenty plus years of a Standard American Diet (topped off with addiction recovery) does not take a few weeks to undo. In the beginning I thought that's all it would take. Two moves, almost two babies, and plenty of other various high stress situations later.....I realize a few years is just the beginning.
I have to constantly remind myself: I'm a 22 year old wife and mother, simultaneously feeding and growing two little humans with my own body! My husband has his joy and zeal completely wiped out of him everyday and still manages to come home with some sort of smirk or kind gesture. Our daughter is healthy, happy and learning. We're doing alright. We're doing alright.
I just wanted to share this because sometimes it might seem like I have it all together. I talk about breastfeeding, avoiding GMO's, growing my own food, buying organic produce, and cooking meals at home. I'm sure can be intimidating and I do my best to humbly inspire. I just don't want to leave anyone feeling like crap about themselves, and thinking I'm some sort of Domestic Goddess. Blogs and Facebook are great tools for connecting and sharing, but we usually share the positive things about ourselves. I think it's really easy to start idolizing or become envious of someone based off of just little snippets of their lives. I go back and forth all the time on whether or not to keep this little weblog going because of that. For now it stays. There really isn't a more efficient way to keep far away friends and family updated.
We're works in progress. I know, it gets old hearing that, but it's the simple truth.
So whatever transformational journey you're on - remember to stop in New Orleans, grab a muffaletta (if you're not pregnant oysters on the half shell and a bloody mary! *sigh* maybe next time) and laissez les bons temps rouler!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thai Take Out at Home: Staples and Tools
Sorry for the absence! Hopefully it won't take me a month to get the next post ready. Let's get started!
Most of the recipes I'll be sharing can be made with food items from your typical grocery store and you should also already have all the basic tools needed. There are just a few things that will make the dishes authentic and easier to make.
The first and in my opinion, the most important, thing I'm going to address today is nam pla, or fish sauce. Go ahead and cringe in disgust. Wikipedia defines it as "a condiment that is derived from fish that have been allowed to ferment." There's really no appealing way to put it. If you have an aversion to seafood, but enjoy Thai food, you're going to have to accept that you enjoy fish sauce. I can assure you that the Thai cooks use it at your favorite restaurants. We put it in almost every dish: papaya salad, beef salad, curries, larb/lopp, pad thai, kuey tweal (Thai noodle soup), basil, etc. I don't recommend substituting with soy sauce or salt. You will find that your dish is missing something or in some cases completely ruined. In fact 90% of the time when we taste something to make sure it's ready to serve, it almost always needs more fish sauce (we add a few squirts at a time because it's very intense) If you add one thing to your pantry for Thai cooking, it would suggest you get nam pla. Oh, and it's very high in sodium, so use sparingly or get a low sodium version.
The bottle in the middle is dark or black soy sauce. It is sweet and thick in comparison to the regular soy sauce. I use it mostly for stir fry. It's not neccessary, but I'm sure down the road a recipe will call for it, so I wanted to share. The Kikkoman, I rarely use for Thai cooking, but it doesn't hurt to have this on hand for Asian inspired dishes. All should be available at your local Asian market (most grocery stores also have them but they are much more expensive!!) I'm pretty sure they are all offered in low sodium versions. I need to start buying those....I just looked at the sodium content for the first time in my life. Yikes!
I try to always have lemon, lime, garlic, onion, lemon grass, and tomatoes on hand. We go through tomatoes regulary. The lemon, lime, garlic & onion keep really well and we use them in almost all of our cooking. The lemon grass comes in a stalk. It's in a vase because I'm rooting it so that I can stick it in dirt and let it grow all summer - then I'll have endless lemon grass. If you have a black thumb you should still be able to grow lemon grass. I barely paid attention to mine last year, put it in poor sandy soil, and it still grew like crazy!
I don't have a picture but cilantro and Thai basil (not sweet! save that for Italian cooking) are also really important. To save money I grow mine. You can grow it year round (bring it indoors during the winter). If you don't want to mess with seeds, I've seen transplants for thai basil at both at Lowe's Home Depot. Cilantro is available everywhere but the Thai basil you will only find at an Asian market. Oh! I almost forgot! Dry roasted, unsalted peanuts and cashews are handy and yummy snacks. We never have them on hand because we usually snack too much.
When you go to the market, if you have any trouble finding what you need, just ask for help! There are other ingredients, but I'll address those when the dish comes up. You don't want to overwhelm your budget and pantry.
If you are local, I recommend the Thai Market on Racetrack Rd. It's across the street from the complex with Calvary Emerald Coast and Network Video.
Most of the recipes I'll be sharing can be made with food items from your typical grocery store and you should also already have all the basic tools needed. There are just a few things that will make the dishes authentic and easier to make.
The first and in my opinion, the most important, thing I'm going to address today is nam pla, or fish sauce. Go ahead and cringe in disgust. Wikipedia defines it as "a condiment that is derived from fish that have been allowed to ferment." There's really no appealing way to put it. If you have an aversion to seafood, but enjoy Thai food, you're going to have to accept that you enjoy fish sauce. I can assure you that the Thai cooks use it at your favorite restaurants. We put it in almost every dish: papaya salad, beef salad, curries, larb/lopp, pad thai, kuey tweal (Thai noodle soup), basil, etc. I don't recommend substituting with soy sauce or salt. You will find that your dish is missing something or in some cases completely ruined. In fact 90% of the time when we taste something to make sure it's ready to serve, it almost always needs more fish sauce (we add a few squirts at a time because it's very intense) If you add one thing to your pantry for Thai cooking, it would suggest you get nam pla. Oh, and it's very high in sodium, so use sparingly or get a low sodium version.
The bottle in the middle is dark or black soy sauce. It is sweet and thick in comparison to the regular soy sauce. I use it mostly for stir fry. It's not neccessary, but I'm sure down the road a recipe will call for it, so I wanted to share. The Kikkoman, I rarely use for Thai cooking, but it doesn't hurt to have this on hand for Asian inspired dishes. All should be available at your local Asian market (most grocery stores also have them but they are much more expensive!!) I'm pretty sure they are all offered in low sodium versions. I need to start buying those....I just looked at the sodium content for the first time in my life. Yikes!
Here's another one that's not necessary, but if you want to go all out - go ahead. You want a balance of sour, sweet, and spicy, and palm sugar achieves the 'sweet' I wish I had these because ours is a big block of it that's not easy to handle or store. You can sub brown sugar or just leave it out like my mom. I've noticed that many of the restaurants around here are adding more and more sugar to their dishes. It depends on the cook and restaurant but....sugar sells. Thanks, America.
The last and most exciting element - heat! The best thing to do is grow your own or buy a bag like the one pictured (again, Asian market) and stick it in the freezer so they last longer. If you are catering to different sensitivity levels, you don't have to completely omit the pepper. We usually split everything into two batches - one hot, one mild when we have company or family member who doesn't prefer so much spice. You can also substitute other peppers if you'd like.
I use this as a topping, additional heat or to make a dipping sauce. I eat it on my egg and rice in the morning, pasta dishes,soups - everything. Use whatever kind you like. This container is $3 and lasts forever. Even with daily use!
I got tired of editing and this was a sorry picture to begin with, but just to show you...We go through more rice than most, so we buy these huge bags of jasmine and sticky rice. It saves a LOT of money and they last us about 6 months. Right now they are about $25
Here are our rice cookers. The steam basket on the left is for sticky rice. I'm not sure if you can make it in a normal pot or rice cooker. I know you can make jasmine rice on the stove top in a regular pot.
On the left is a mortar and pestle, or as my grandmother calls it, 'cloke.' You can make papaya salad without this, but it is soooo much better if you have one of these. The flavors are more cohesive with this method. This large one is $15 at the Thai Market on Racetrack. I haven't seen large ones anywhere else. I've only ever used it for making papaya salad, but I'm sure my grandmother used hers for curry pastes and other sauces.
I use a food processor right for mincing meat of for basil and larb. I cut the meat into cubes and let the machine do the rest. If you don't have one all you need is a great knife and some built up anger to get rid of.
She wanted to take home one of everything!
When you go to the market, if you have any trouble finding what you need, just ask for help! There are other ingredients, but I'll address those when the dish comes up. You don't want to overwhelm your budget and pantry.
If you are local, I recommend the Thai Market on Racetrack Rd. It's across the street from the complex with Calvary Emerald Coast and Network Video.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thai Take Out at Home
I'm introducing another "series" here on my little piece of Blogland. I'm asked all the time if I can teach someone how to make Thai food or pass on the recipe, so I'm going to compile what I've learned from my grandmother and parents here to share with you!
I've been very blessed to grow up learning how to cook Thai food. My mother, Praphaphorn (we call her Phyllis) was born in Bangkok to my grandmother, Ratana. They moved here when my mother was very young (I believe just a few months old). There is a rather abundant Thai (asian in general) community in this area. I'm assuming thanks to the large military community. I've been frequenting places like Thai Saree, The Bangkok House, and the Thai Market most of my life. I remember sitting in my grandmother's salon munching on imported goods, the most memorable dry shredded squid and her showing me how to roll up balls of sticky rice. I also remember hating bamboo shoots, but stealing sips of the broth from my moms red curry. My brother and I have always had some sort of spice in our food - since the womb. For me it's not luxurious or exotic, it's normal. Don't take this wrong. I've had my fair share of meat and potatoes. My dad's parents are a whole different culinary heritage, primarily Italian-American from my grandmother Rose, but that's another story for another time.
When Cameron and I were first married I quickly realized that the only healthy and affordable dishes I felt confident making were curry, papaya salad, beef salad, and several variations of stir fry. I could follow any recipe but when it came to throwing dinner together in a pinch on a budget these were my defaults. I've come a long way over three years, but I still find this to be true. Tonight for example, what did I do with the steak I needed to cook? Minced it, stir fried it with some basil, garlic & peppers, and threw some jasmine rice in the cooker.
I'm no culinary genius, but most Thai dishes revolve around a few basic ingredients. I'm sure you're familiar with the flavors - lemon, lime, thai basil, cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, etc. Once you stock your pantry with the key items, you'll be set. My first "tutorial" post will be focused on this.
Here's a little forewarning. As with every culture, there are as many variations of a dish as there are families in that country. Thai people are very frugal and use the most of every resource. So, after you read or try a recipe, before you write it off as unauthentic please consider that I'm working with how my grandmother passed down her "recipes." She doesn't use recipes and measurements and every time she makes a dish it turns out different. If we have flank steak we use flank steak for beef salad. Sometimes it's a london broil. I prefer a few crushed dried shrimp and peanuts in my papaya salad. My mother can't stand it that way. I'm going to try to focus on keeping the recipes basic and simple and give tips to modify them to your tastes.
I'm so excited and can't wait to share these with you! At the end of the week look forward to locating and navigating a store of imported Asian goods!
I've been very blessed to grow up learning how to cook Thai food. My mother, Praphaphorn (we call her Phyllis) was born in Bangkok to my grandmother, Ratana. They moved here when my mother was very young (I believe just a few months old). There is a rather abundant Thai (asian in general) community in this area. I'm assuming thanks to the large military community. I've been frequenting places like Thai Saree, The Bangkok House, and the Thai Market most of my life. I remember sitting in my grandmother's salon munching on imported goods, the most memorable dry shredded squid and her showing me how to roll up balls of sticky rice. I also remember hating bamboo shoots, but stealing sips of the broth from my moms red curry. My brother and I have always had some sort of spice in our food - since the womb. For me it's not luxurious or exotic, it's normal. Don't take this wrong. I've had my fair share of meat and potatoes. My dad's parents are a whole different culinary heritage, primarily Italian-American from my grandmother Rose, but that's another story for another time.
When Cameron and I were first married I quickly realized that the only healthy and affordable dishes I felt confident making were curry, papaya salad, beef salad, and several variations of stir fry. I could follow any recipe but when it came to throwing dinner together in a pinch on a budget these were my defaults. I've come a long way over three years, but I still find this to be true. Tonight for example, what did I do with the steak I needed to cook? Minced it, stir fried it with some basil, garlic & peppers, and threw some jasmine rice in the cooker.
I'm no culinary genius, but most Thai dishes revolve around a few basic ingredients. I'm sure you're familiar with the flavors - lemon, lime, thai basil, cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, etc. Once you stock your pantry with the key items, you'll be set. My first "tutorial" post will be focused on this.
Here's a little forewarning. As with every culture, there are as many variations of a dish as there are families in that country. Thai people are very frugal and use the most of every resource. So, after you read or try a recipe, before you write it off as unauthentic please consider that I'm working with how my grandmother passed down her "recipes." She doesn't use recipes and measurements and every time she makes a dish it turns out different. If we have flank steak we use flank steak for beef salad. Sometimes it's a london broil. I prefer a few crushed dried shrimp and peanuts in my papaya salad. My mother can't stand it that way. I'm going to try to focus on keeping the recipes basic and simple and give tips to modify them to your tastes.
I'm so excited and can't wait to share these with you! At the end of the week look forward to locating and navigating a store of imported Asian goods!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Play Kitchen Sneak Peek
I've been wanting to share the play kitchen Cameron built for Stella, but I want to put all the finishing touches on it before I do. We've got a lot of projects going on right now: Spring cleaning/organizing (we want to be done by spring, so we can just maintain and enjoy the sunshine), prepping the garden, and a family brunch I'm hosting next week, so....the kitchen is taking the back seat.
This is the project we were supposed to start in September 2010 to have it ready for Christmas morning. It didn't get started until 2 days before Christmas, so we only have the bare bones so far. The plans are from the amazing Ana White. Because of the time crunch, we didn't tweak the design for our taste like I originally wanted, but it's still so cute and Stella loves it.
The dog bowl is eventually going to be the sink. Oh! The paint was only $5! Thank you oops section.
This is the project we were supposed to start in September 2010 to have it ready for Christmas morning. It didn't get started until 2 days before Christmas, so we only have the bare bones so far. The plans are from the amazing Ana White. Because of the time crunch, we didn't tweak the design for our taste like I originally wanted, but it's still so cute and Stella loves it.
The wooden cutting food from Melissa & Doug.
My hope is that our result is eventually something like this beauty from Kirsten at Crafting Chicks:
Here are her details about her play kitchen building adventures.
I know we're crazy. Okay I'm crazy, and my poor husband spent late nights out in the cold building this thing, but he will admit it's not all my fault that we didn't get it done in advance and on time. It was so important to me for her to walk out on Christmas morning and see the beautiful gift her daddy built just for her. For her birthday, my dad built her a toddler size picnic table. Trying to start traditions! It was worth the craziness. Especially when I'm working in the kitchen and she goes over to work in hers.
I'll be sure to update on our progress!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Maternity Photo Series Debut
While pregnant with Stella I took pictures to track my growing baby bump. I didn't get really into it because I hated getting pictures taken of myself. My hair was at an awkward length due to growing it out. It took forever for me to actually start showing because I'm not super tiny. My whole belly was plagued with stretch marks halfway through. I also lost any sense of style. I hated dressing myself. I wouldn't look in the mirror....it was horrible. When my wedding photographer showed up at my door to do a maternity shoot and was shocked. I had no make up on, my hair was pulled back into a mess, and I may as well have been wearing dirty rags.
This time, things are going to be different. My pessimist, depressed side tends to get more extreme than most while I'm growing a human. It's extremely hard for me to deal with gaining weight. The last thing I need are bigger boobs, butt, and hips. I have to learn to deal, so I'm going to force myself to do a simple photo shoot every week as I expand. Hair, make-up, wardrobe - the works! Cameron will be my photographer and Stella my adorable sidekick. I've been perusing thrift stores and clearance racks looking for treasures I can turn into maternity wear to prove you can be a hot mama on a super tight budget
My inspiration for this project came from Bleubird Vintage, one of my favorite blogs. Here is her set of photos and letters to their baby bird. We are no where near as talented as Miss James and her beau, but we're just happy to be able to provide ourselves and our little canaries with memories of our anticipation for their arrival.
Without further ado, the bump:
Not much to see so far
Stella wanted to see what was going on under there.
My apple!!
We were taking these just for fun. Trying to get Stella to give baby kisses.
Dear Canary Number Two,
I'm so excited about these next few months of having you all to myself! When your big sister was itty bitty she would coo all the time. It sounded like she was singing to me, so I started calling her my coo coo canary. You might have a different pet name, but for now you will also be a canary. I'm sure you can hear your sister all day keeping things exciting. I can' wait until we can feel and see you move so she realizes you are there. We heard your heartbeat for the first time last week, and it was perfect.
Love you!
Momma
This time, things are going to be different. My pessimist, depressed side tends to get more extreme than most while I'm growing a human. It's extremely hard for me to deal with gaining weight. The last thing I need are bigger boobs, butt, and hips. I have to learn to deal, so I'm going to force myself to do a simple photo shoot every week as I expand. Hair, make-up, wardrobe - the works! Cameron will be my photographer and Stella my adorable sidekick. I've been perusing thrift stores and clearance racks looking for treasures I can turn into maternity wear to prove you can be a hot mama on a super tight budget
My inspiration for this project came from Bleubird Vintage, one of my favorite blogs. Here is her set of photos and letters to their baby bird. We are no where near as talented as Miss James and her beau, but we're just happy to be able to provide ourselves and our little canaries with memories of our anticipation for their arrival.
Without further ado, the bump:
Dear Canary Number Two,
I'm so excited about these next few months of having you all to myself! When your big sister was itty bitty she would coo all the time. It sounded like she was singing to me, so I started calling her my coo coo canary. You might have a different pet name, but for now you will also be a canary. I'm sure you can hear your sister all day keeping things exciting. I can' wait until we can feel and see you move so she realizes you are there. We heard your heartbeat for the first time last week, and it was perfect.
Love you!
Momma
Monday, January 17, 2011
Finding a balance
This crunchy mama is getting tired of going to the grocery store.
I got out of habit ordering from my produce buying club during the holidays (where I get my milk, eggs, and produce) so I have been doing a lot more shopping at Publix. Sometimes I just feel so defeated. I know I would save so much time and money if I just ordered a portion of a grass fed cow and organic grains in bulk, but needing the money up front makes it impossible right now. I get so mad when I'm trying to decide what to buy. Why isn't beef, that was raised the way God intended, available and affordable for everyone buy?
I'm going to admit it here - Buying local and choosing the right food for my family is not always easy. There are systems that are making it easier: buying clubs, co-ops, CSA's are popping up and making organic, locally raised meat, dairy, and produce more accessible and in some cases affordable. Some days I just envy the ignorant.
We started baby step 3 of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this month.(save 6 months living expenses) This is what is making it so difficult. I'm trying to feed my family naturally on a very small amount of money. We started budgeting again and when I set the monthly grocery budget I made it really low to challenge ourselves. I'm finding it impossible to meet. I've cut out everything I can think of. I thought about doing coupons but many of the coupons are for prepackage items I refuse to have in our diet. There are a few I can use but nothing like the $100 of groceries for $20 stories I see.
I see the extra money we spend on better ingredients as health insurance and an investment in the future existence of natural foods, so I know I should just increase my food budget and order the bulk items I know will save us money in the long run. Every day without fast food, soda, and other junk is a good day, but we have to maintain the next level at some point. While I'm grocery shopping it's like I have a mini Dave Ramsey on one shoulder and a natural food advocate on the other bickering at me; each one trying to get their way. I need to find a way to make them friends and respect each other.
I got out of habit ordering from my produce buying club during the holidays (where I get my milk, eggs, and produce) so I have been doing a lot more shopping at Publix. Sometimes I just feel so defeated. I know I would save so much time and money if I just ordered a portion of a grass fed cow and organic grains in bulk, but needing the money up front makes it impossible right now. I get so mad when I'm trying to decide what to buy. Why isn't beef, that was raised the way God intended, available and affordable for everyone buy?
I'm going to admit it here - Buying local and choosing the right food for my family is not always easy. There are systems that are making it easier: buying clubs, co-ops, CSA's are popping up and making organic, locally raised meat, dairy, and produce more accessible and in some cases affordable. Some days I just envy the ignorant.
We started baby step 3 of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this month.(save 6 months living expenses) This is what is making it so difficult. I'm trying to feed my family naturally on a very small amount of money. We started budgeting again and when I set the monthly grocery budget I made it really low to challenge ourselves. I'm finding it impossible to meet. I've cut out everything I can think of. I thought about doing coupons but many of the coupons are for prepackage items I refuse to have in our diet. There are a few I can use but nothing like the $100 of groceries for $20 stories I see.
I see the extra money we spend on better ingredients as health insurance and an investment in the future existence of natural foods, so I know I should just increase my food budget and order the bulk items I know will save us money in the long run. Every day without fast food, soda, and other junk is a good day, but we have to maintain the next level at some point. While I'm grocery shopping it's like I have a mini Dave Ramsey on one shoulder and a natural food advocate on the other bickering at me; each one trying to get their way. I need to find a way to make them friends and respect each other.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A pick-me-up for this dreary weather
Time for a garden related post! It just started getting cold here I'm already tired of winter. I always seem to get in a huge rut. I had all sorts of big plans for my winter garden and they flopped. I can't tell you the last time I walked over there (it's at my future house across the street) I had 9 tomato plants, basil, lettuce, and kale doing pretty well, but it's been weeks since I've watered and I'm sure the freeze knocked them out. Sad and uninspiring, I know, but the truth.
On a brighter note - my Baker's Creek Heirloom Seed Catalog arrived yesterday!!!!I didn't order from this company last year because I didn't find out about them until after I bought all of my seeds from Lowe's. I've spent many nights browsing their website, but the actual catalog is breathtaking. One of the many reasons I'm crazy about them is they work to uphold our agricultural heritage and do not carry GMO. There are so many new varieties I want to try. I'm super excited about the great selection of Thai vegetables I can impress my grandmother with. If you go to their site you can request your free catalog, but while you wait, I took a few pictures to share with you.
On a brighter note - my Baker's Creek Heirloom Seed Catalog arrived yesterday!!!!I didn't order from this company last year because I didn't find out about them until after I bought all of my seeds from Lowe's. I've spent many nights browsing their website, but the actual catalog is breathtaking. One of the many reasons I'm crazy about them is they work to uphold our agricultural heritage and do not carry GMO. There are so many new varieties I want to try. I'm super excited about the great selection of Thai vegetables I can impress my grandmother with. If you go to their site you can request your free catalog, but while you wait, I took a few pictures to share with you.
I couldn't resist....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tree Pickin'
Trying to start and enjoy family traditions while overcoming what I believe to be prenatal depression hasn't been very successful. I managed to get off of the couch, turn off Sponge Bob, and go out to Whispering Pines in Milton to pick and cut down our Christmas tree with my family. It was a great experience and I can't wait to go back next year. Our seven foot tree was only $18 and they gave us a baby tree to plant. They provide the saw, shaking, and netting. All you need is a proper vehicle to strap it on. I recommend a 1988 Ford Taurus Station Wagon, but we used my mom's SUV.
This was 'the one.'
Checking for chipmunks.
There was a baby goat nursing and my mom exclaimed, "Look! It's breastfeeding!" Haha. We had a good laugh over that.
I highly recommend a real tree! You only get to have a decorated tree in your house once a year. If you get them at a local farm it's much more budget friendly. They are worth the fuss, in my opinion. That's coming from someone with allergies and a mischievous cat! Here's a site to help you find a farm near you and some great facts about fake Christmas trees.
PS Thanks to my mom for snapping pictures of us so I can finally be included in some of our memories!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Falling in Love
Friday, October 8, 2010
A Call To Arms
I'm easily bogged down by the constant reminder of how whacked out or society is. Whether it's a news article, blog post, or a public episode I want to jump to action and changed the world. When I realize that I am one little lady, with an even littler lady on my hip, who has a mountain of laundry to fold - I get so down and discouraged and want to give up on this what seems to be hopeless world. I don't have the greatest sense of humor and what usually gets me by is a sentimental flicker of hope (or someone else's sense of humor) Two recent experiences reminded me there IS a point to being an advocate (in my case for natural parenting).
I met a pregnant woman and decided to get over my insecurities, introduce myself, and tell her I was very passionate about and somewhat experienced with breastfeeding and if she had any questions or needed any support that I was here for her. She had sort of a negative view about breastfeeding, and willingly let me inform her how fantastic the whole experience is. I made sure to tell her if she decided to try it there would most likely be obstacles and days where you want to give up. (Mastitis UGGG) I have had plenty for sure! She was excited to have another woman her age that is experiencing being a "younger" mother tell her all of this information and we exchanged e-mails. She may not try, but the exciting part is....my backbone is getting stronger and stronger! I get so worried I'm going to offend someone that I lose out on oppurtunities to form relationships and serve other women.
About a week later, I was walking through Target and had Stella in the Moby. It was close to nap time and I wanted to prevent an outbreak. I noticed a woman with an infant carrier attached to her cart eyeing us, so I smiled at her. She walked past, came back and asked, "Is that a Moby?" She was really frustrated because she couldn't figure out how to use it and Target wasn't letting her return it. I gave her some pointers and offered to show her how. I told her how I could nurse Stella while grocery shopping which really turned her on to keeping it which led to telling her about La Leche League meetings. We both walked away feeling much more confident.
So ladies, don't be ashamed to nurse & wear your baby or toddler in public. We are walking billboards that will boost breastfeeding and natural birth rates. Living out our passions is how more women will consider questioning vaccines, choosing chiropractic care, attempting a homebirth or VBAC, and saying no to chemical laden and GMO foods. Resist the urge to be in the closet about the lifestyle choices you've made. Think about tobacco free advocates and all they have gone through and accomplished. Make yourself available for help whether or not you have degree at the end of your name. We may not be the pros, but we know where to get valid information and support.
MOST IMPORTANTLY! Remember to be compassionate. At some point we have all been ignorant, confused or full of pride. Your example is the best witness. A woman is more likely to approach you if you make eye contact and flash that beautiful smile. God will bring people to you especially if you are willing to serve and love.
My husband said it best to me the other day (in regard to our decision to bedshare), "You really shouldn't doubt yourself and the decisions you've made all the time."
I met a pregnant woman and decided to get over my insecurities, introduce myself, and tell her I was very passionate about and somewhat experienced with breastfeeding and if she had any questions or needed any support that I was here for her. She had sort of a negative view about breastfeeding, and willingly let me inform her how fantastic the whole experience is. I made sure to tell her if she decided to try it there would most likely be obstacles and days where you want to give up. (Mastitis UGGG) I have had plenty for sure! She was excited to have another woman her age that is experiencing being a "younger" mother tell her all of this information and we exchanged e-mails. She may not try, but the exciting part is....my backbone is getting stronger and stronger! I get so worried I'm going to offend someone that I lose out on oppurtunities to form relationships and serve other women.
About a week later, I was walking through Target and had Stella in the Moby. It was close to nap time and I wanted to prevent an outbreak. I noticed a woman with an infant carrier attached to her cart eyeing us, so I smiled at her. She walked past, came back and asked, "Is that a Moby?" She was really frustrated because she couldn't figure out how to use it and Target wasn't letting her return it. I gave her some pointers and offered to show her how. I told her how I could nurse Stella while grocery shopping which really turned her on to keeping it which led to telling her about La Leche League meetings. We both walked away feeling much more confident.
So ladies, don't be ashamed to nurse & wear your baby or toddler in public. We are walking billboards that will boost breastfeeding and natural birth rates. Living out our passions is how more women will consider questioning vaccines, choosing chiropractic care, attempting a homebirth or VBAC, and saying no to chemical laden and GMO foods. Resist the urge to be in the closet about the lifestyle choices you've made. Think about tobacco free advocates and all they have gone through and accomplished. Make yourself available for help whether or not you have degree at the end of your name. We may not be the pros, but we know where to get valid information and support.
MOST IMPORTANTLY! Remember to be compassionate. At some point we have all been ignorant, confused or full of pride. Your example is the best witness. A woman is more likely to approach you if you make eye contact and flash that beautiful smile. God will bring people to you especially if you are willing to serve and love.
My husband said it best to me the other day (in regard to our decision to bedshare), "You really shouldn't doubt yourself and the decisions you've made all the time."
Yes, this is the (improper) use of a Moby Wrap so my husband could play video games.
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