Vegmom Moments

Happy Valentines Day

Vegkid and I usually do cards (with scraps and recycled material) or hand made paper games to distribute at school for Valentines day.  

But this year, neither of us were in the mood and wanting to do something new.  Insert Crafty Crow, where we found This idea... Veg Loved It!

Since Husband was all in to working in the garage last week, (and being overly nice) I showed him the idea.  Of which he replied,

"I have a perfect limb for that.  It fell from the tree in our last storm.  You'll have them cut tomorrow"

And so we did!  24 of them to be exact!  

Veg kid didn't want to decorate fancy (he is a BOY and turning NINE ya no!)  EX-Cuuuuuseeee me!

But since Husband said he had to "practice" to find the right pen... I got one too!

*smile*  

Happy Valentines Day!!

 

Vegan Gluten Free Single Serve Cookies

Another Vegmom Single Serve Experiment...

Vegkid wanted dessert and I didn't have anything pre-made to offer him.  Also knowing we had somewhere to be in 25 minutes, baking something was not likely to happen.

Then I decided to have some fun.  

Mission: See if we could make a single cookie in under 15 minutes start to finish.

Steps:

1. Popped on the oven to 350
2. Grabbed a tiny bowl, and threw in some GF All Purpose Flour to fill it up 1/2 way
3. Added some coconut flour
4. Added a little coconut sugar and little turbinado sugar
5. Some baking powder 
6. Sprinkle of sea salt 
7. Grabbed a Small mixing bowl and poured in a little non-dairy milk
8. Some apple sauce went in the mixing bowl along with vanilla 
9. Poured dry ingredients in to wet ingredients (could use one bowl next time if I planned better on the size)
10. Mixed in Choco Chips
11. Scooped on to foiled baked sheet (made 3 cookies instead of one)
12. Baked for 10 minutes and check for consistency... 

Results:

Three Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies in under 15 minutes, start to finish!

Next time I'll add some mashed banana, use baking stone, and tweak quantities of everything else.  (and write down measurements) But otherwise, these were actually really tasty.  In fact Vegkid has been talking about them ever since. 

At this rate, I can have entire fresh prepared meals on the table every day (Veggies, Fruits, Main Course and even Dessert) in under 30 minutes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Step Vegan Gluten Free Sweet Potato Patties

Hmm, Spending a little bit too much time on Pinterest but so fun!  I found This recipe for Sweet Potato Falafel the other night and had to try it out.

However, as usual, I didn't have all the ingredients and made some tweaks, so mine turned out more like Sweet Potato Patties than Falafel:

Knowing what Mr. Vita-Mix does to Sweet Potatoes, I decided to nix the whole "cooking potato" part of the recipe instruction.  And threw everything in the blender to make this a 2 Step Recipe!

So here is how mine went:

3/4 of a large Raw Sweet Potato washed, peeled and chopped went in to Mr. Vitamix.  I added lemon juice (enough to get everything moving), Dash of Olive oil, Bunch of hemp seeds, 1/4 Cup Garbanzo flour, 1 garlic clove, some garlic salt, and the spices mentioned in the original recipe.  (Paprika, Cumin and Cayenne Pepper).. 

Turned on Mr. Vita-Mix and mashed mashed with the tamper (added more lemon juice if needed).. Mixed everything really well, then poured/scooped on to baking pan.

They baked at 400 for 14 minutes.  But I forgot to turn them as she suggested, so the bottoms stuck to the foil.  Whoops!

These were so easy, and extra super delicious, I can't wait to try them again!

Hey, wonder if I can pour these on dehydrator trays for a raw patty vs. baked.  Hummm???  

Kitchen Reorganization Complete

Thanks to This, and These, and These, I was able begin moving things around in the kitchen with a goal of having nothing on most surfaces and all my cabinets/drawers cleaned out.

Plan:

• Leave the table nice and tidy for more meals at home.  
• Counters clear for easier, cleaner and faster prep time.  
• Create a decluttered and peaceful place that I enjoy being in.
• Make everything in the space more functional and efficient.
• Clear out anything we no longer use.  (still a couple things I have to convince the husband to be rid of.  Like a gigantic roasting pan and a crock pot that we never ever ever use)
• Remove all expired items and restock with fresh

Mission Accomplished:

Nothing Here:

Nothing Here:

Nothing Here Either:

And nothing On or IN the stove:   

See that shine!

 Yes, that is a yellow stove, but hey, it still works!

All the cabinet doors actually close completely.  Even got some fixed out of the deal.  

Now, I walk in the kitchen with a smile instead of dreading it.  And even found the husband and I sitting at the table chatting last night.  THAT hasn't happened in years!

I may not be able to remodel but I sure can Reorganize, It is like having an entirely new room!

Home Cooking Or Something Like That

When the husband and I got married, we had $400 to our name.  Our salaries combined were enough to support $240 rent in a one bedroom shack.  (I have the roach memories to prove it)   

Eating out at a real restaurant was a treat and we would make up excuses to do so.  I remember having a 2yr 4 month anniversary dinner as an excuse to go to our favorite restaurant.

Fast forward 20 Years, and we go out way too often.  

Yes, I make a lot of food at home.  Yes, our kitchen is always stocked with real whole organic foods, And Yes, I experiment a lot as seen on this blog, and always have fruity/veggie snacks at the ready, but certainly not all meals 7 days a week are made in my kitchen.

Now with our Finances getting ready to change in a big way, I have decided to start practicing Home Cooking more often. (or home preparing, since I don't always "cook" the food)   

We actually cooked/baked/prepared all meals and snacks 6 days out of this week.  BUT, what made my whole week of kitchen'ing worth while is that the Vegkid would NOT go out with his Dad last night knowing that I had his favorite soup waiting for him. (Dad was not as thrilled)

Needless to say, my trial of spending time in the kitchen went well.   I even created single serve gluten free, vegan cookies.  It was a good food week!    I'm thinking when the wallet strings are officially tied that we will survive the kitchen shock!  

{don't worry NeeNee, this doesn't include vacation weeks *wink*}

As for my trial of sleeping... Well that is another story.

To be continued....

 

Vegan Lunchbox Cheezy Roasted Chickpeas

This was a Vegan Lunch Box Cookbook Kind of a week...

Our new try Tuesday was the Cheezy Roasted Chickpea Recipe:

These were so good and crunchy.  Vegkid said they tasted like Chicken????   

How Nutritional yeast and chickpeas can taste like Chicken, I'll never know.  

But the kid ate two plate's full so I'm thinking he liked them.  In fact he snagged the bowl I had set aside for lunches, that little thief!

Before bed, he asked if I could make some more Chickpea Chickens soon.  

Maybe if he says Pretty Please, I'll consider it (or maybe I'll just make them again because I want some, but don't tell)

**Update - while leaving school the next day he asked for Chickpea Chickens.   I can only imagine what the other parents were thinking?  I made another batch though, and he ate almost the whole thing.  I Then added them to our "favorites" book. 

Cupboard Doors and Spice Drawers

As part of our current Kitchen Reorg Project my Friend made a comment the other day:

"Hey, I saw on pinterest someone hung up measuring cups on their cabinet door with little cup hooks"..  

"Oooh" I thought?  "I want to do that!!!"

Knowing that the husband would NOT want me drilling 10 holes in to my cupboard door, I came home and asked the husband (with pretty pleases and sugar on top) if he would do it. 

As you will see, the Measuring cups are OUT of the drawer.

Mission Accomplished!

AND... even better thanks to Husband's Idea *wink*

Magnetic Measuring spoons are now out of the drawer too:

As for the drawer.. Other things came out of it as the Kitchen Reorg project continued, Spices were reorganized, and I am ONE happy camper:

THAT my friends is a HAPPY Organized Spice Drawer!  If only I had taken a Before picture you would understand.

(PS. I know some are upside down, but had to do that to make them fit!)

From there, I just went a little looney.  Drawers, cabinets, shelves, table tops, Fridge tops, nothing was safe in its current spot!  The dust bunnies were running for dear life and the Vegkid sat quietly reading a book.  He knows that when I get in this mode you either HELP or GET out of the way!

Even the junk drawer got a face lift:

I still have several more spaces to work on but am so pleased with the progress.  

 

 

 

Space Saver Fridge Side Cabinet Update

Today my new friendly cabinet got it's face and handle.  

I also started filling it up correctly because I couldn't wait!

This weekend I have some serious cupboard/drawer cleaning and re-organizing to do!

Can't Wait!

Collard Greens Vegan Lunchbox Style

I've been reading a lot in my courses regarding Calcium containing foods to find Collard Greens pack quite a punch.  Not to mention they pack a whole lot of nutrients.  

So when I saw some beautiful looking Collard (or elephant ears as Veg calls them) at the store, I couldn't help but grab a bunch.

Of course once home, I wasn't quite sure what to do with them.   Which is when I remembered the recipe from Vegan Lunch Box.

You chop them in to little ribbons:

Pop them in a pot with Onions, Sugar and Water to cook for a bit:

Mix up a vinaigrette salad dressing with some seasoning and Voila!

Check out the Vegan Lunch Box cookbook for full recipe (and lots of others)

Turns out, I really like Collard Greens.  I've had them before, but even better this time.

De-Lish!

Finding Space in Small Spaces

My kitchen has 4 tiny spaces that are called Counters and they are all used up.

So I have to move things, use the table, the stove top or any free space I can find when I'm trying to prepare meals or prep foods.  Not to mention the constant look of clutter.

The cabinet space and drawers are just as filled.   Husband says there is no way to re-do the kitchen or change the cabinets with the space we have to work with.  

However one single night on Pinterest made us realize all the possibilities to utilize the space that we have.  Thank you Pinterest Friends for the encouragement. *smile*  

First space saver projects from that inspirational night were posted here.

Then on to the Doozy..This Pinterest Idea.... Hubs purchased the wood and supplies but left them in the basement.   Knowing that they would stay in the basement for a very very very (VERY) long time, I left a little love note this morning.

The kind that said:

"Hey, if you don't plan to make the cabinet, can you be sure to move the wood in to the garage before my Mom comes to visit"

Surprisingly (or not) I came home to an almost finished space saver cabinet.

We pretended to fill it up for pictures, but it still isn't complete.. Of course in real life I would have to organize by item and size.  This just won't do!   Even the picture is giving me twitches.

BUT, the coolest part:

There are hidden rollers under there, so it just pushes in to that gap between the wall and the fridge.  Good Night cool cabinet!!

Hubs is going to add some finishing touches and a Handle so it is easier to pull and push. 

But the concept is complete, and the wood is off our basement floor!  A double win!

Look for more Kitchen organizing fun as the weeks go on.  I'll have so much space, I won't know what to do with myself.

Doing Happy Dance!

 

Creamy Massaged Kale Salad

Integrative Nutrition Grads, Robyn and Quinn over at Healthy Cooking Camp have the cutest video and tastiest massaged kale salad I've experienced yet.  

I happened to purchase this Mountain O' Kale to dehydrate in to crispies.  

But after seeing their recipe, (and tip to remove kale from stem which is the coolest trick EVER) that green goodness became massaged green goodness salad instead:

 

And creamy at that!  Creamy thanks to avocado... I do love avocado creaminess!  

 

Apple Chocolate Nut Butter Goodness

A new try this week was inspired by a cool recipe on the iPhone/iPad App called "Eco Chef".

The recipe was supposed to be simple and Raw, as in 4 RAW Ingredients.  But I sort of made it my own with the ingredients I had in the house including non-raw nut butters. Then I added more stuff making it 6 ingredients.  I even changed the apple type.  Eco Chef would not be happy with me.  (Sorry Eco Chef)

Here is the Peanut edition for Vegkid:

Green Granny Smith Apple slice on the bottom, Peanut Butter, then Raw Cacao powder mixed with Coconut nectar for the chocolate, slice of banana and more choco mix on top.  Sprinkled all over with Cinnamon.

Such an amazing dessert, or maybe ummm, Breakfast for tomorrow morning with the left overs.  (shhhh!)

The one (or two) I made for myself used Almond Butter:

OH MY YUM!!  As IN dangerously Yum!   I will say it does not taste like a Peanut Butter Cup as the App's title hinted.  

Especially once I added all my extras and chose a sour apple.. BUT, the mixture of sweet, sour, salty, fruity, cinnamon spice and chocolate all in one bite made the absolute perfect bite!

AND this would be why I AM NOT asleep before 10:00pm tonight.  A little too much sugar and cocao for this girl to handle in the evening.

But still no coffee *Smile*

 

 

 

Run Veg Run

As part of Mission 2012 "Find my Happy" there is a 1/2 Marathon goal that involves the following:

• Enjoy the Training
• Finish with no injury or death (death would be bad)
• Finish feeling GREAT and Powered by Plants
• Beat my prior year's time by at least 15 Minutes

Most of you know that I don't actually sign up for the races I'm training for (insert money) until I've gotten past the half way mark of training and feel I can finish.

Well Sunday was the 7 Mile Mark, and I finished with my fastest time yet!  

Looks like I need to fork over the money and sign up for this Spring Bad Boy!

Best thing about training.... Recovery Drinks!

Slurp Slurp!

Sleep Experiment Part 2

Last night I did really good (for me) and was in bed by 9:30, with the intention of falling asleep before 10.  Pretty sure that hasn't happened in like 30 yrs.   I put everything else off, and decided I would try this before 10pm thing that I posted about yesterday.  My plan was to zip right through to 6am without waking up once.

I followed all the tips...Had an early dinner, no night time snack, didn't drink any fluids past 7pm.  Lots of exercise, (I ran 7 miles yesterday), Had NO Caffeine AT ALL and was exhausted by 9:45. 

BUT, I couldn't fall asleep before 10:00.  Not sure what time I actually fell asleep but it was AFTER 10:00  Maybe even 10:30, I don't know though because my eyes were closed.

Needless to say I was up again at 2am... First the dog woke me, then I had to use the bathroom, and next thing I know it is 3am.  Grrrrrr!!!

So tonight is the night...  Early dinner, no fluids after 7pm, and computer off as soon as this post is complete.  I'm on 5 days without Coffee now, worked out in the gym, lots of fruit and greens were consumed and the Dog will sleep on the dog bed this time.  

I WILL FALL ASLEEP BEFORE 10:00pm... YES I WILL!!!

Update:  I think I fell asleep before 10:00 but was still up at 2am & 4am.... Sigh, the mission continues!

 

Going to Sleep Earlier

As part of my course work and bonus material I've been learning about sleep.

That I don't get enough!!  I'm one of those people that start a second shift of sorts after Vegkid goes to bed.

While listening to a lecture, I discovered that I wasn't just imagining all these years that I seemed to get a second wind at night.  And how sleep becomes more difficult if I wait past a certain time to put my head on pillow and that waking up becomes more difficult.

In fact, not only was I not imagining that constant state of night time awakeness but it is how the body actually works.  Apparently there is a time that your body settles in to rest easier and a time that you pass that window of sleep opportunity and second wind kicks in.  

I found this great link from the Dr. Oz Site about getting better sleep that is similar information to the info I heard in the lecture + some tips on helping you get to sleep earlier.

So I started a sleep "Reboot" of sorts.  While on my trip with no interruptions, no kid waking me up, no dog waking me up, no snoring husbands and no house to clean.  I forced myself to be in bed and/or asleep before 10:30... Just to see if I could.  

Upon getting home I found it harder to wind down and be tired by 10:30 though.  So I've been turning off the computer and reading a book instead, Eating earlier, no night time snacking, no Angry Birds, no Movies, no Work.   I even decided that if the house work isn't done by 9ish then it won't be done that day.  Trying not to do any activities that would get me motivated to do more at night.  In theory if I get to bed early enough, I can wake up earlier and get more done with more energy. 

I found myself waking between 2 and 3 though, which was rather annoying.   My experiment going down hill. Even if dozing back to sleep, I was exhausted by 7am.   Then I saw in that Dr. Oz article that my 10:30 sleep time is still too late so waking at 2 or 3 is normal.  Which means I need to get my sleep time down to 10:00pm  as in BE ASLEEP by 10:00pm.  Not just be in bed by 10pm.  So this will be a little more challenging.  

But I'm up for the challenge.  Tonight I will try to rest my sleepy eyes at 9:30 hoping to fall asleep by 10, and see if I fly past that crazy 2am wake up. (and assuming the dog cooperates)

While I realize this won't be entirely practical every day of my life, I'd like to figure out the perfect combination that I can always come back to when I need it.  The time that I can strive for. 

For now the sleep experiment continues.   Side note..I'm on day 4 of no coffee!  Totally unintentional but exciting none-the-less.  Figured out if I avoid JUST weekday coffees/fraps for 6 Months, I can save over $600.  That's not including the occasional weekend, medicinal, or travel treat which I will still allow as needed.

So tell me.. Do you get enough sleep?

 

 

Business Travel - My Thoughts

While changes are coming in my work life, there is one thing that I will NOT miss!  And that is Business Travel.  Some people are cut out for traveling.  I however am NOT.

Granted, I got pretty good at it.  Knowing what food to pack so I don't go hungry in no-veg land.  Stacks of clothes ready in advance, and having my toiletry bag pre-packaged for a moment's notice. 

{Hotel and Conference Food - Chips, Avocado, Lemon, Banana, Almond Butter, Raw Goji Cherry Truffles, Oat mix and Chia seed mix}

My Sheet Sleep Sack and comfy slipper socks became stock items.  I can rent a car in seconds, navigate any airport, learned the difference between taxis and shared shuttles (the hard way) and that blackberries in the same pocket as a room key can make it not work.  

Emergency numbers were pre-printed and ready for the family, treasures were always placed strategically to keep the Vegkid happy in my absence and food was pre-made for their eating pleasure.

I Learned where the nearest Veg friendly food was to each hotel and I can pretty much tell you where every Starbucks is between the Atlantic and Pacific...  

But even with all that figuring, pre-pepping, and readiness, the whole travel thing for the purpose of Business is EXHAUSTING!!!!   I don't know how people do it.  Travel days Drain me both physically and mentally, being away from home stinks, all day meetings without seeing the light of day drive me batty, being a presenter takes my nerves to a whole new level, hand shakes are inevitable and don't even get me started on hotel germies or Down Feather Pillows (that the hotel said they removed but didn't... see proof):

{insert swollen itchy eyes for whole trip... thanks hotel}

All that said, there are a few good things about Business travel.   Like I get a quiet night sleep with no interruptions (usually), I get to eat what I want without cooking for 3 different people on any given day.  I get some time to myself to just be me, get to see new places AND the best part of Business Travel, is when I find a Whole Foods!!

Because when I find a Whole Foods, I find things like this:

And This:

Shirts like This:

And this:

Finding a Whole Foods on any trip is always a good thing!!

But even with Whole Foods on the agenda, I won't miss business travel one single iota! 

Thankfully the trip this week was a short one, I ate really really good, it is great to be home and I do love my two new shirts.  In case you were wondering!! *smile*

Maybe the next time I travel will be because its a vacation.  Those kind of trips, are the best!

 

 

 

 

All About Chess

A few weeks ago at Chess Club the director told us we should sign Vegkid up for a tournament.  I wasn't so sure he was ready.  But Vegkid said YES YES YES YES.... OK!

Well little did I know that this was such a big deal.  I mean some of the older kids competing for full College Scholarships.  The younger kids competing for trophies and a chance to go to State and National Championships.   

GOODNESS... I thought it was just a game of Chess?  So we arrive at 7:30am.  Along with 100's of other people.

We show up with Food to get us through the day, water, and an iPad hoping that we could stay entertained for a bit.  I also had paper and books to read, and my schoolwork.  But who could concentrate on school work with all the flurry happening about.  The hurry up and wait factor was an understatement.

If your kid was playing, you were on pins and needles.  If your kid was done, you had to wait till ALLLLLL the other kids were done.  Then you had to run down the hallway and find your next place on the board.  But if they didn't post yet, then you stand and wait.  Because if you miss the pairings, then you are disqualified.

Space Saver Cabinet Racks

My Husband must have received a nibble from the Decluttering/Organizing bug..  

(or maybe it was a nagging wife that offered to hire someone to build these space savers)

Look what he built for me today:

And This:

Those two little racks cleaned out sooo much space in the cabinets.  He is on a mission to do more.  Yippee!!!

We don't have the funds to redo the kitchen but we can make it more efficient, by golly by gosh...  

Maybe next I'll pretend to hire someone to paint the cabinets a different color.  *wink*

 

Finding My Happy

OK, scratch what I said about short posts... hahaha.. this one is far from short but I gotta do it!

2012 would be the year to find my Happy.  Not that I haven't been happy.  I have an amazing life with nothing at all to complain about.  And soooo much to be thankful for.

I'm almost debt free with a roof over our head and car that works, an amazing little strong willed Vegkid, a Veghusband and the best most cuddliest dog in all the planet.

I have hot water in my shower, cold water in my sink, a working heater, a bed to sleep in and everything I could possibly need in our old home to live comfortably.

I have the best mom in the world (if I may say so myself), extended family, real life friends, on-line friends, legs that get me moving, and eyes that work to see the beautiful sunshine today.  I have learned tons about food and lifestyle, healed my son with food, helped my husband with ailments and kept myself to being as healthy as possible.

Yes I could go on for days about everything I'm grateful and thankful for because it is true to no end.

But all that said, as mentioned here before, I've spent every bit of my adult life being a wife, and even more of the last 8 years being a mom, and somewhere in the mix I'm finding ME!

Heck, I like me!   Being the best me, means I can be even more for my family.  2012 is the year to find my Happy?   While I did say that.. And I did decide to run the 1/2 Marathon, start strength training, I did start an eating plan, de-cluttering, and crafting.  I also signed up for Health Coaching Program and all that in a 30 day span.

BUT I didn't know what finding my happy truly meant until the past couple of days.

This week I've learned of a door that will be closing for me, and that only means that another will open.  I'm confident that this decision will force me to truly find my happy!  What ever that may be.  I'll take time to find what that is, and make sure it is the best for my family.  

I'm so grateful for the opportunities I have had that led me to where I am.  And wish I could thank every person that was a part of them.  If any of you are reading this, THANK YOU!!

At the end of this day, I'm going to drift off to sleep with a big smile for whats ahead and a heavy heart for those people that I will miss as I embark on a new journey..... I don't know exactly what that journey is over the next year, but I know it will be an amazing one. 

Hope you'll check in and say Hi as I post what is next in the Veg house.  

Lots of loving, happy and positive thoughts to any one reading this.

Signed,

A very blessed Vegmom 

 

 

 

Smoothietastrophe Kind of a Day

Woke up a little late, which means we rush a little more.  I filed up my Smoothie glass a little too full, which then made it dribble on the counter.  

After sipping said smoothie, cleaning the counter and heading down stairs which is when I realized it leaked out on to my jacket.  Wipe off jacket and get in car.. put smoothie glass in cup holder and head down the driveway.

Look over to grab smoothie glass, and realize it had tipped on its side, leaking its contents all over my car.

This my friends is a Smoothietastrophe Kind of a Day!  

Lessons from this kind of a day?  Wake up earlier and don't fill the glass so full  *smile*

AND, when life gives you messes, laugh, then clean them up.  Really, not much else you can do!

 

 

Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta

I'm about to share with you the very best thing I have learned in the kitchen!

Are you ready.. it is life changing in our little Veg world!!

Adding Raw Sweet Potato, Macadamia nuts to any sauce via the Vita-Mix will make it "creamy" with out the cream.  As in Delicious and Creamy.  

Pouring this sauce on top of GF Brown Rice Noodles gives me a comfort food, cold day meal that makes me soooo happy.  I can get my creamy pasta fix, raw veggies and speed to table all in one!

The sauce is litterally made WHILE the noodles are cooking.  9 Minutes and meal is complete (unless you chop up more veggies, which I will do next time)

\

That Orange Creamy goodness used the following ingredients:

• Spicy Spaghetti Sauce
• Macadamia Nuts
• Raw Sweet Potato Chunks
• Onion
• Garlic
• Garlic salt
• Sweet Basil
• Nutritional Yeast

Blend in the Vita-Mix then pour on noodles and fresh spinach (as I did) or any other veggies you want to throw in this yummy goodness.  Next time I may even make veggie noodles instead.  Ooooh, even more yum!

Thank you Mr. Vita-Mix

Magnetic Fridge Card Holder Made From Scraps in 5 Minutes

I'm in a de-clutter Frenzy.. seriously, I'm just realizing more and more every day how much I don't need so much of the stuff in our home.  And how much happier I am when I get another spot organized, cleaned or de-cluttered.  I still have so far to go, but taking one step at a time and being happy for each accomplishment.

Tonight, I was looking at my fridge to find magnets with restaurant numbers, dental reminder cards, papers upon papers with work numbers or tidbits of information or crafties or pictures!!!! AHHHHHHH.... like 100 things collected on my fridge.  Where did all this come from???

I stared at the fridge and just wanted to throw everything in the garbage. 

That space was suddenly driving me nutty!  Then it hit me... I could make a holder for all of that stuff.

Quickly, there was a piece of card board being cut and folded, a piece of paper being cut to match.. paper was stuck to cardboard, and wrapped around the back.  

The back got a magnetized heavy duty clip to hold it to the fridge and EVERY piece of paper or advertisement went in to my new holder.  

Within 5 minutes this cute little Perfect Magnetic card holder was on my fridge!!!  NO MORE CLUTTER!

 

As for the pictures, I moved them from the fridge to my craft area which also happens to have a magnet board.  PERFECT!!!

 

Boy Dog Leak Band

My sweet old pup has developed a leaky pipe.   Basically, when he sleeps he pees.  And doesn't even know he is doing it.  This is a really large problem considering he sleeps in MY bed.  And an even bigger problem that he sleeps ALL THE TIME!

After checking him out at the Vet for an infection, we discovered it is just incontinence no infection... But this doesn't help fix the problem.  

I could use "diapers" but they are not so eco friendly, very wasteful and depending on how long my dog is with us, could get highly cost prohibitive.   So I went on a search for something more eco-friendly that was easy to use, easy to clean, comfortable and something that he couldn't pull off.

That is when I found these male dog bands:

It's PERFECT!  The band wraps around his doggy bits, and velcros on the top.  When he is going outside, we just unvelcro.  Then it is easy to put back on.  I can put a pad in it to add absorbency, or leave as is.  And it washes perfectly in the machine.

So far so good!   

 

Geometry Book

Vegkid jumped in the car with a Vocabulary book.  He doesn't normally bring work home from school so I questioned.  

He said:

"I decided to do some of these lessons at home"  Well OK Then!

That is when I noticed his name on the book, and I said "Wow, looks like you get to keep this, it has your name on it"

And he says..

"Well Duh Mom, Of course I get to keep it, what do you expect?"  

Hmmm, Silly me for thinking he had to give the book back!

But with his little snooty face he continues:

"And by the way I get to keep my Geometry book too"

GEOMETRY?  Aren't you like EIGHT???  I didn't do Geometry until Middle school, maybe high school actually.

"Yes Geometry" he says.. "I LOVE Geometry, it is my favorite subject and I love my book"

Where did you come from kid????

 

 

 

Short Posts

Between Parenting, Wife'ing, Working, House'ing, School, sleeping, 1/2 Marathon Training and whatever else I decide to do in a week, I'm thinking the blogs may be a little neglected this year.

Even without many viewers or commentors,  I can't have this blog neglected or my Mom will have a fit.  

So don't be surprised if there are shorter tid-bit posts when time doesn't allow for anything longer.  

Maybe short tid-bits like this:

When I told Vegkid that I was GOING TO TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME until I get through all my courses, he said without skipping a beat:

"Well Mom, its not like days come in twos or fives or tens, of course you only get one at a time"

Now, try to argue with THAT!  *smile*

Or maybe the tid-bits will be more food related, exercise related or anything in between.  I can't promise what will come out of my fingers to type, but I can promise that I will not neglect my Mom (I mean blog).

 

 

 

Cinnamon Green Goodness

This Happy Herbivore Cinnamon Bun Smoothie recipe is good just the way it is.  How ever I was out of ingredients today, wanted some added green value and decided to kick it up a notch.

Soooo.. This beautiful Drink is a modified Cinnamon Bun Smoothie:

Hemp Seeds and Coconut Water to make a "milk" like consistency.  Then Added bananas, vanilla, dates, cinnamon, spirulina powder, Spinach and Ice.

OH MY YUM!!!!  Thank you Mr. Vita-Mix!

 

 

Spicy Tomato And Pumpkin Soup

Is it just me, or does soup taste better in a mug?

Spicy soup tastes even better with ooey gooey avocado on top:

And even better better better, when your Mug leaves you with a Smile:

Now about that soup?  OH MY YUM.  I know you can't tell by the picture, but there are beans and veggies in there.

Vegkid wanted some soup on our snowy cold day last week.  We didn't have a NeeNee here to make "HER" soup so I decided to try my own concoction.

I basically started with Tomato Sauce, Veggie Broth and some water.   Then added what ever I felt like until it tasted just perfect.  Schezwan for the spicy, Pumpkin puree for the creamy, and sweet potato chunks just because.

We added some Garlic salt, some coconut nectar, some more chopped veggies and a can of butter beans.

It came out so good that Vegkid ate the ENTIRE pot over 2 days.  Then asked for more, which I gladly made.  He took it to lunch, he even ate it for breakfast.

The official verdict when asked how it compared to NeeNee Soup?   He said it was just as great!

SUCCESS!!!!

Then he said I needed to make NeeNee some of my soup so she can make HIM some of her soup...

Sounds like we will have lots of soup going on when NeeNee visits next!  

Soup with a Smile!

 

Why I Run So Slow

So today I almost ran faster than my fastest 4 mile time to date.  At the pace I was keeping, this could have happened.

However, even my fastest 4 mile time is slower then most people walk.  There are several reasons for this..

• My legs are short and my stride is narrow:

Yup, that is the distance of my full stride.  It's how God made me so I can not complain.  However a famous runner, I will not be!

Some other reasons why I rarely get faster times:

• I stop to take goofy pictures of my stride.. this will slow ya down, in case you were wondering
• I stop to pick up nails if I see them in the street
• I stop when there is a wandering dog that needs to find his home (like today, the cutest little lost Yorkie)
• I stop to check on people when I see them on a bench and not looking so good 
• I walk if my body tells me I need to, and I walk up the hills of doom most days (some times I try to run them, today was not one of those times)

This is one of the hills of doom, and I have yet to get a picture to show you how steep it is.  This will have to do.

I am at the mid point of said hill when I took this photo, and you will see a very tall man that looks like the size of an ant at the bottom of this hill:

Where the arrow is pointing.

Trust me, it is a BIG hill!  

However, here is a sample of the elevation for the race I'll be entering.  So I've got to be prepared.

/\___/\___/\___________/\____You get the idea!

Eh, A few hills don't scare me!!  :-)  

And THAT would be why I'm slower than the average bear, but still having loads of fun and feeling great, which is all that really matters!

Happy SUNDAY!!