tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188415892024-03-07T15:21:34.479-05:00Life As I See ItJessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.comBlogger1421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-69718489161646400832010-06-27T13:59:00.000-05:002010-06-27T13:59:11.692-05:00Moving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLXIEh0Cg0BgSar-3f0cfAGHps3eVlWLBQOYsC6UDP7IJFGMqGOHgA_8zjLJS43IMatjCUXQhKyKYut1pLAH3Vgu_4mHMRJuVgXtDlpyQ09YqR3sdapecOVprJOJu9wEh9AH-/s1600/_DSC0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLXIEh0Cg0BgSar-3f0cfAGHps3eVlWLBQOYsC6UDP7IJFGMqGOHgA_8zjLJS43IMatjCUXQhKyKYut1pLAH3Vgu_4mHMRJuVgXtDlpyQ09YqR3sdapecOVprJOJu9wEh9AH-/s320/_DSC0165.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have moved! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see my new site at</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jessicalynette.com/">jessicalynette.com</a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-25895079340840088392010-06-24T11:40:00.000-05:002010-06-24T11:40:46.248-05:00A Good Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijixDBbZpBSVXU7a6OQlYAH91pdokZQ5VTwDDXsPuG-PpfcyR4T55_jgnZ6NLS3vEVrwJTdcRHeAI6iagNqcuKWYKOP1rXwcmzNZk0NZhz6CoPxHIOrdIX3ML7qLFlxPYIQ9_9/s1600/africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijixDBbZpBSVXU7a6OQlYAH91pdokZQ5VTwDDXsPuG-PpfcyR4T55_jgnZ6NLS3vEVrwJTdcRHeAI6iagNqcuKWYKOP1rXwcmzNZk0NZhz6CoPxHIOrdIX3ML7qLFlxPYIQ9_9/s400/africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Can you read his necklace? It says <i>AFRICA</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And in a few short months the boys and I will be heading over there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To <b>Nigeria</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pYMeE1T9WG8uzTr5M8BvUwalMXMj5ZL-0EBUTkxb8LwC15mN5BbyWWNEpFrYaoRgPQ_YsA5-yhqOopF2fOMtfYJS8rMxNzJ5y5hLGCpp3jFPkfuRdbHgt5PyoEvzO27DCK4W/s1600/9+68+photographerschoice+Crowe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pYMeE1T9WG8uzTr5M8BvUwalMXMj5ZL-0EBUTkxb8LwC15mN5BbyWWNEpFrYaoRgPQ_YsA5-yhqOopF2fOMtfYJS8rMxNzJ5y5hLGCpp3jFPkfuRdbHgt5PyoEvzO27DCK4W/s320/9+68+photographerschoice+Crowe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still can't believe it is happening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-rich-foundation.html">grandparents are missionaries there </a>- and have been for a long, long time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mum lived there until she left for college and has only been back a few times in the past 30 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the year after I completed highschool living in Nigeria with my grandparents. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was <b><i>life changing</i></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD1aG01IwXE1MsCWjrICUSfEhO1-PussS5kk23fsUaCY1Qyu1kWBel9M71UyrsC8Wcer6FuSfF_5dW7BfNJ8WZGigqjOX3kekCPAtQFLcymoGqvpzbvqUgvWnih75EPJQDAL_/s1600/9+55+portrait+Crowe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD1aG01IwXE1MsCWjrICUSfEhO1-PussS5kk23fsUaCY1Qyu1kWBel9M71UyrsC8Wcer6FuSfF_5dW7BfNJ8WZGigqjOX3kekCPAtQFLcymoGqvpzbvqUgvWnih75EPJQDAL_/s320/9+55+portrait+Crowe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mum is going over this November and when I told Paul in a <i>wishful thinking sort of way </i>how fun I thought it would be to be in Nigieria with my mum he said we'd make it happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, after much prayer, it is happening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This past week I have gotten all of my vaccines needed for travel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My anti malaria pills are currently sitting on our kitchen counter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys have appointments with the international travel doctor the middle of July.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Passport forms are filled out and ready to go in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfEzIBhtrEX4MaGvsOon1rNbYRRgCSvbIIl7EBaQW3my_E0iJfypYFOcv96soFYpgQsf95hVo_jW8dvM9K7XNhIfbZUQw9eIumX5uE2COXRHDhn0zb2L8lI_rzSC1t9CLs2wv/s1600/animal+64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfEzIBhtrEX4MaGvsOon1rNbYRRgCSvbIIl7EBaQW3my_E0iJfypYFOcv96soFYpgQsf95hVo_jW8dvM9K7XNhIfbZUQw9eIumX5uE2COXRHDhn0zb2L8lI_rzSC1t9CLs2wv/s320/animal+64.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have talked with a travel agent - who has not only given me invaluable information about direct flights from Atlanta to Nigeria (who knew!?!) but he also found prices cheaper than I could find myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am looking at being there for 5 weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 short weeks in my beloved third home with my grandparents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 long weeks away from my love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">While Paul will be greatly missed I am thankful he has encouraged this adventure.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ2TPj-Weph3IRTzOxqAxL-2rugNcutdx7rIE1p97oEroJUCLP9vj4WtfJBjKDr7QAT92S_NCLPq_dVRyIXsqUjbYWJ6nvVnPTrqKZu2vn-K7t2IpatyVj7LrVhFJBYCkoVrs/s1600/9+50+child+Crowe+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ2TPj-Weph3IRTzOxqAxL-2rugNcutdx7rIE1p97oEroJUCLP9vj4WtfJBjKDr7QAT92S_NCLPq_dVRyIXsqUjbYWJ6nvVnPTrqKZu2vn-K7t2IpatyVj7LrVhFJBYCkoVrs/s320/9+50+child+Crowe+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so excited to travel with the boys and to introduce them to a new culture of beautiful people.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">And I am excited to finally be sharing this with everyone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good secrets are meant to be shared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-81347162608230170512010-06-22T21:06:00.000-05:002010-06-22T21:06:01.658-05:00Schwan's - What to Order, and What Not to Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmZoTrJzbX6IPB-2q5qLB6PQTxf5IkMx8ZKEnEOnlykJQwYnPJLZJ57jP4L-NO4Jp7E2a9rFQpUFBiBlOT4xBZu7sxrZH_gqDnG8SI-QgbCekuky28Ykig9gio4mxS2n5kxvb/s1600/movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmZoTrJzbX6IPB-2q5qLB6PQTxf5IkMx8ZKEnEOnlykJQwYnPJLZJ57jP4L-NO4Jp7E2a9rFQpUFBiBlOT4xBZu7sxrZH_gqDnG8SI-QgbCekuky28Ykig9gio4mxS2n5kxvb/s400/movie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have ordered food from <a href="http://www.schwans.com/">Schwan's</a> a few times this year and it's such a fun treat as well as wonderfully convenient to have the individually frozen foods waiting for me in the freezer.<br />
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I love pouring through their catalog, and have used it several times to inspire my own dinner ideas. It's always scary buying a new food item because you don't know if you'll actually like it or not, so I wanted to share some of the items I love that I think are worth buying and the one item I have tried that I don't love.<br />
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<i>From Facebook comments and messages I know quite a few have ordered from Schwan's before and have shared your favorite foods - if you would do it again in the comments here I would appreciate it! That way I will easily be able to find the tried and true favorites when I go to make another order and want to try something new.</i><br />
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My two favorite items from Schwan's are the <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=56190&c1=10435">Chicken Breasts </a>and the<a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=66008&c1=10435"> Frozen Fruit Blend</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxMB-ik0N_WNy4cEpMBiWTRrYAoR87_paZBUJLS0EnQFkn8wnsbRvuXRP3qYynbrYlMO-U6WlyfWr7PaEY1iCOvfDyyOuE7f0L-6n8teBDPfpdMmq4YkkwkFYfeSUiLx0eTYv/s1600/_DSC0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxMB-ik0N_WNy4cEpMBiWTRrYAoR87_paZBUJLS0EnQFkn8wnsbRvuXRP3qYynbrYlMO-U6WlyfWr7PaEY1iCOvfDyyOuE7f0L-6n8teBDPfpdMmq4YkkwkFYfeSUiLx0eTYv/s320/_DSC0639.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The Chicken Breast turned into a BBQ sandwich on a<a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/06/breads.html"> homemade bun</a></span></div><br />
The <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=56190&c1=10435">chicken breasts</a> are so tender and are equally as good as chicken breasts I have bought from the store that sell for nearly three times the price. These come individually frozen in a large bag, resealable bag - it is so easy to grab out the amount needed for dinner.<br />
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The<a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=66008&c1=10435"> frozen fruit blend </a>is our favorite blend for smoothies that we have tried yet - with strawberries, peaches, mangos and pineapple it is delicious blended up in the green smoothies! The bag says you can thaw and eat them, but I can't quite imagine eating thawed fruit and haven't tried it myself. <br />
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Another item we have enjoyed are the<a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=58102&keyword=hamburgers"> Black Angus Steak Burgers</a>. These are really tasty and a good size. I usually make my own burgers, so this isn't something I would order often, but it's been a fun treat to have preformed burgers and these ones taste really good!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=56188&keyword=Chicken%20Parmesan">Stuffed Chicken Parmesan</a> is decently good. It's not our favorite, but with a bit of sauce, some extra cheese and a bit of seasoning it can be doctored up to something that is rather amazing. For the price I don't think it's really worth it, but we did enjoy the box we ordered!<br />
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The one item that we have tried really hard to enjoy, but don't, are the <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=58154&c1=10435&c2=10462">Mini Steak</a>. They are such a cute idea and since we are huge breakfast people I thought this would be a wonderful addition to a breakfast or brunch - but they come out tasting rubbery. I have tried cooking them a few different ways and it's just not working for me. <br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-1199194276778787972010-06-20T21:36:00.001-05:002010-06-22T07:37:57.388-05:00You in the Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rWksKHwlr4dJV2xSjCeELZkK7da3ls4hBjjuqDDJcgZrA3sCEyJE6T1X7umUyQkwXdCXcUh8T-WCmjMdKh56dqQRsFqBnXezGbRWvZ55N1VWbj10bG4EHS8jGaviSR0nO4Mw/s1600/_DSC0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rWksKHwlr4dJV2xSjCeELZkK7da3ls4hBjjuqDDJcgZrA3sCEyJE6T1X7umUyQkwXdCXcUh8T-WCmjMdKh56dqQRsFqBnXezGbRWvZ55N1VWbj10bG4EHS8jGaviSR0nO4Mw/s400/_DSC0632.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have a lot of pictures of me <i>just being </i>with the boys, and over the past week Paul has been changing that and these pictures mean more to me than I would have imagined. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrARkZsK7i9RSiHvafOrRHQRtHlne7PAjZ-qowWFxXbu8jCFDt_tPnEyZFS5-lgpnsWOtRXYKtYxVtJXuqSu9PALgfvPymH4hf9SPp7JA8_B0jGQaHDTryVy8QrU7KrON7PHS/s1600/_DSC0621a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrARkZsK7i9RSiHvafOrRHQRtHlne7PAjZ-qowWFxXbu8jCFDt_tPnEyZFS5-lgpnsWOtRXYKtYxVtJXuqSu9PALgfvPymH4hf9SPp7JA8_B0jGQaHDTryVy8QrU7KrON7PHS/s400/_DSC0621a.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We played Ring Around the Rosy - until the boys, who were wearing white, dramatically fell down at the end of the little chorus onto the red brick. That game ended and we moved on to London Bridges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfqG6YjqUDDFHSiTyPb749ZAeMZxUCrp0kZ56yiOnUImXzA7kPzlVvAiuRuPg0bt-MMmca-YzBhNyCD6ZUYrCUDylI2i6N4ycXN_CHcusaYpV9qWoMusk66Ge1Nf9mhQireng/s1600/_DSC0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfqG6YjqUDDFHSiTyPb749ZAeMZxUCrp0kZ56yiOnUImXzA7kPzlVvAiuRuPg0bt-MMmca-YzBhNyCD6ZUYrCUDylI2i6N4ycXN_CHcusaYpV9qWoMusk66Ge1Nf9mhQireng/s400/_DSC0633.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We giggled and played and Paul captured the precious moments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-cwRE5Wjma9zKFarM31UVCEzDnhw1DKyMoM5HDs1hd2aNDEmB3B6Er763n7HuYOT0ryC-dVbCDYRD0SqQGPVDhoY5WuWbRaglMOmKe8bjAUQYzZAR45wbh2_LIdU4kEjq03z/s1600/_DSC0641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-cwRE5Wjma9zKFarM31UVCEzDnhw1DKyMoM5HDs1hd2aNDEmB3B6Er763n7HuYOT0ryC-dVbCDYRD0SqQGPVDhoY5WuWbRaglMOmKe8bjAUQYzZAR45wbh2_LIdU4kEjq03z/s320/_DSC0641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This picture so beautifully captures one of my favorite things about Judah as a 3 year old. Throughout each day he frequently says to me; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"<i>Mommy, hold my hand</i>."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take some time this week to pass your camera to your spouse or a friend and ask them to take pictures of <b>you</b> <i>just being</i> with your children. Nothing fancy, staged or perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just the every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They will be cherished pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sharing on <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting at the Sky</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-64464259032070065272010-06-18T22:20:00.000-05:002010-06-18T22:20:40.847-05:00Last Minute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0tol_zqdtm-CVpu0nvn2RZjicNXQv_wKPep-TKCCpO4e8eOZlP-FaO3wejHZeEFwU4ta75Fw7AMlUaFMkTPhDOtUGrwWhe7dt9aKMQrauwnoIK7yvturkH3q_dy7Oc_p5SV0/s1600/_DSC0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0tol_zqdtm-CVpu0nvn2RZjicNXQv_wKPep-TKCCpO4e8eOZlP-FaO3wejHZeEFwU4ta75Fw7AMlUaFMkTPhDOtUGrwWhe7dt9aKMQrauwnoIK7yvturkH3q_dy7Oc_p5SV0/s400/_DSC0279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday we took a last minute trip to the beach - a 6 hour round trip drive for 2 hours on the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite parts about our trips to the beach are the long car rides for us to talk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paul talks best when he drives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGsx9nny3dmFOlFMmxs3K4otGfcHxcAkhB0daiFWmsmTcWTmZ5lNmiBQmxY0xPEPT7sN5yimnWV_n_GyDLBsRgPjoYLDmLdD6Ypz9sxaR-fdSeCdDr9aybdoDkEFZh2UHSrVt/s1600/_DSC0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGsx9nny3dmFOlFMmxs3K4otGfcHxcAkhB0daiFWmsmTcWTmZ5lNmiBQmxY0xPEPT7sN5yimnWV_n_GyDLBsRgPjoYLDmLdD6Ypz9sxaR-fdSeCdDr9aybdoDkEFZh2UHSrVt/s400/_DSC0435.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I generally like to spend longer at the beach than 2 hours, but it was the best we could do - and I appreciated Paul's adventurous spirit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was the exact crazy and fun and bonding experience we needed after some busy times with work and remodeling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX69mYyAHp2c7J9n0Sion3rjnvzqvA9n96SJUn8_7rEDy92-oKcfq5vmNnFA6PqQH4AATlgxQKaPpg-UIgu5OfcQqjpLZzUhNISfVDgEFPQwTE48nlxzlSI4iCLUqeVf1aI-6/s1600/_DSC0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX69mYyAHp2c7J9n0Sion3rjnvzqvA9n96SJUn8_7rEDy92-oKcfq5vmNnFA6PqQH4AATlgxQKaPpg-UIgu5OfcQqjpLZzUhNISfVDgEFPQwTE48nlxzlSI4iCLUqeVf1aI-6/s400/_DSC0308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We didn't tell the boys where we were going until we were nearly there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were delighted with the surprise and have talked about it all day today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTd3NG97k_v7CtxiAuKjN0kbkUP0FEl-O3C-atiUMkyrORCpq8TD5IfrDXoF2I8EUeLcVHsbsWXRHMZKAp0xrEV_PfHZwSPJ5Fi_R6xsv7qw5t0J1rskCJcQc3LgqCZOHnApC/s1600/_DSC0339a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTd3NG97k_v7CtxiAuKjN0kbkUP0FEl-O3C-atiUMkyrORCpq8TD5IfrDXoF2I8EUeLcVHsbsWXRHMZKAp0xrEV_PfHZwSPJ5Fi_R6xsv7qw5t0J1rskCJcQc3LgqCZOHnApC/s400/_DSC0339a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And are both begging to go back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohZAFZLu5KwnKan233Thu3Cg6aFufezxiS90hcUsgJ4OQyoKaBVoCXjCIrNU2QjZRuwKITKklYNg0gnH07HRUI1RH-xiuLxhlPNiDN6GBrxnbuIVipFvMEjkdZ4vhMpWG58tQ/s1600/_DSC0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohZAFZLu5KwnKan233Thu3Cg6aFufezxiS90hcUsgJ4OQyoKaBVoCXjCIrNU2QjZRuwKITKklYNg0gnH07HRUI1RH-xiuLxhlPNiDN6GBrxnbuIVipFvMEjkdZ4vhMpWG58tQ/s400/_DSC0230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-21376667442184793582010-06-16T11:21:00.001-05:002010-06-22T07:35:25.257-05:00Grapefruit Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmlrFog_vUKhjGCO5F93c9ZDabxa7Jlx6YV_vrnanzyIBBHq0yKcQc5WXkwq6Xb97V5hdBvrC-y-SDdjmwabBHQrHJh5Tsb5HzK24LwVbznEI8lva7V-zDdOvJH8rY0gsLVIB/s1600/_DSC0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmlrFog_vUKhjGCO5F93c9ZDabxa7Jlx6YV_vrnanzyIBBHq0yKcQc5WXkwq6Xb97V5hdBvrC-y-SDdjmwabBHQrHJh5Tsb5HzK24LwVbznEI8lva7V-zDdOvJH8rY0gsLVIB/s400/_DSC0192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grapefruit Alaska </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other night we had a stay at home date that involved a nice dinner after the boys were in bed and us making this dessert together. It was so fun to make together and tasted so <i>uniquely yummy</i>. It is definitely one to make again. The presentation is so fun! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><ul><li>4 large grapefruit</li>
<li>2 teaspoons rum extract</li>
<li>1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped</li>
<li>3 egg whites</li>
<li>1 tsp cornstarch</li>
<li>1/4 tsp cream of tarter</li>
<li>1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>8 maraschino cherries </li>
</ul><ol><li> Halve grapefruits and section (so, so important!!); drizzle 1/4 teaspoon rum extract over each grapefruit half. Top with 1 rounded tablespoon of whipped cream, place on a foil lined baking sheet.</li>
<li>In a large bowl beat the egg whites, cornstarch and cream of tarter on medium speed until soft peaks form. </li>
<li>Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff, glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Mound 1/2 cup on each grapefruit half; spread meringue to edges to seal. </li>
<li>Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes or until meringue is brown. Top each with a cherry and serve immediately. </li>
</ol>The original recipe makes enough for 8 - I only used one grapefruit (enough for 2) and then followed the recipe for the meringue and made cookies out of the extra. <br />
The recipe called for cherries to top the meringue, but we settled for toasted walnuts as that is all I had on hand.<br />
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Sharing on<a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/"> Tasty Tuesday</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-75186988792714096932010-06-14T15:46:00.000-05:002010-06-14T15:46:08.360-05:00Thrift Store Shopping - Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj4GnD1WFoIlx-pJmyPJ38z1kLYsWbgXrUsoeeGYgWJMsJNytG7RpyWNliCPhKVjPRF5sjKSqMqkI-9LXHOAH-Wqubo7JYbWiWkSOHyVlEHizXPhXo29rtab6hzusnVWgJgWI/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj4GnD1WFoIlx-pJmyPJ38z1kLYsWbgXrUsoeeGYgWJMsJNytG7RpyWNliCPhKVjPRF5sjKSqMqkI-9LXHOAH-Wqubo7JYbWiWkSOHyVlEHizXPhXo29rtab6hzusnVWgJgWI/s400/shopping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't written an update on my <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2009/12/thrift-store-shopping-spree-and-new.html">Thrift Store Shopping Challenge</a> in awhile because, to be honest, it's no longer a challenge. My closet is now full of clothes I love and every item has been purchased second hand. I have gotten more compliments on my clothes - from friends and strangers - since I have started exclusively buying clothes and accessories second hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's not to say it hasn't been a challenge. Up until a month ago it was a challenge I tackled with great enthusiasm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One weekend in May I went away with some friends and we spent one afternoon at the Outlets - and that is where I was truly put to the test! There were incredible deals, cute clothes and <b><i>my friends were shopping</i></b>. It was hard not joining in the fun! They even offered to buy me what I wanted and have me then pay for something non clothing related for them... ha! We women certainly know how to work a system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But that afternoon I did stay strong and stuck to my commitment to not buy any clothing or accessories from a store - and I am so proud of myself for that! It encouraged my resolve. And what was once a challenge is no longer a challenge. I am now bored of my challenge to only shop second hand stores and yard sales for myself and the boys because I have found it to be both easy and fun - the challenge is gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have started to think of a new challenge for myself and I am leaning towards following in Rebecca's steps and <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/boycotting-clothes.html">not buy anything for a year </a>or follow the path of the extreme minimalists and only own a small amount of clothes. I am not able to commit to either challenge quite yet as I have already dropped two pant sizes this year and plan to drop one or two more by the end of this year and out of necessity will need to buy more clothes - but I am playing around with both ideas.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the mean time I am stocking up on cheap accessories as I find them - once I up the challenge I won't be able to indulge in these little fun finds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few fun finds of recent:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK0VQ_1qYhPtDnE464uA_vw4WVt186YcwpsP1WPwzvQxAtLdPUkIMFtxe4nwOeRQe-EIu_gJpq36EmUKzLnq4_VRA6DzMY-VcmwIZsmrcmx7pfF7wz8-Xr28JgfqF0Fg-M3WX/s1600/_DSC0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK0VQ_1qYhPtDnE464uA_vw4WVt186YcwpsP1WPwzvQxAtLdPUkIMFtxe4nwOeRQe-EIu_gJpq36EmUKzLnq4_VRA6DzMY-VcmwIZsmrcmx7pfF7wz8-Xr28JgfqF0Fg-M3WX/s400/_DSC0147.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tweed purse by Express - $1.75</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvIWkON2NekNChvafPe__qRFL70UjK8JeyxAafLMPoyAcnJxdA9Ras6MJn8R2Ff6EVrbtZcP7X_DmHl3z8SCTGrROQhyZfWydLBKhQUvUKlK8eNDlBHtUWUdGN_kppK82DKtR/s1600/belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvIWkON2NekNChvafPe__qRFL70UjK8JeyxAafLMPoyAcnJxdA9Ras6MJn8R2Ff6EVrbtZcP7X_DmHl3z8SCTGrROQhyZfWydLBKhQUvUKlK8eNDlBHtUWUdGN_kppK82DKtR/s400/belt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Brighton Belt - brand new with $45 tag - paid .75 cents</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHhDEn6raykNxOSMtvPJOMOWjJmT7LnEt_mCSn02UUqxoSNXJhwKat_wnc3ZZyApSBsfl03VZ_He9dr__esFewpr8slzL-db6xQ6n7qut_rXhyphenhyphen8Nl2zqmf53AT_m3x6wflzuC/s1600/_DSC0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHhDEn6raykNxOSMtvPJOMOWjJmT7LnEt_mCSn02UUqxoSNXJhwKat_wnc3ZZyApSBsfl03VZ_He9dr__esFewpr8slzL-db6xQ6n7qut_rXhyphenhyphen8Nl2zqmf53AT_m3x6wflzuC/s320/_DSC0156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Pretty peach colored earrings - $1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdgNfcbBRxOqafl1caEmPlO1O1vjX1_KSKPQmbpt4wNafl8q84urtjfEfP4v4eRg02VTlIDbHbuxg_j3w0aLSxo_5D84gbZcTCZZ4t4lIAUEs4e-krPMghKDbNJgoUBkUCyuM/s1600/_DSC0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdgNfcbBRxOqafl1caEmPlO1O1vjX1_KSKPQmbpt4wNafl8q84urtjfEfP4v4eRg02VTlIDbHbuxg_j3w0aLSxo_5D84gbZcTCZZ4t4lIAUEs4e-krPMghKDbNJgoUBkUCyuM/s400/_DSC0158.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Necklace - $1</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-19685640235999558382010-06-11T12:57:00.000-05:002010-06-11T12:57:29.543-05:00Summer Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGo6vb5vVpNMWEmT4tbbCc0bMfRZNm3DhyHhLokrPZA8Ablsx0HB3SB1FwD7wEwH3BgXfPTz3_XqRHCN33nbbr8KNfwPwvsp1ur_iy7QCaoU-HnVJnE9O3Eo0uHwdba_jh69F/s1600/_DSC0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGo6vb5vVpNMWEmT4tbbCc0bMfRZNm3DhyHhLokrPZA8Ablsx0HB3SB1FwD7wEwH3BgXfPTz3_XqRHCN33nbbr8KNfwPwvsp1ur_iy7QCaoU-HnVJnE9O3Eo0uHwdba_jh69F/s400/_DSC0925.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Summer is my favorite season and I just love living in the south as we get so many hot summer months down here. I thought I would share some of our summer plans and share links of those who have summer plans that have inspired me. We are planning on keeping things low key and simple, and most activities revolve around being at home.<br />
<br />
1. Read. Both boys love being read to, listening to audio books or looking at picture books themselves and so we are going to be doing more of that this summer. We are currently working on reading Dr. Doolittle and recently finished reading The Little Prince. It takes us awhile to read through chapter books, but both those books have been a lot of fun to read out loud to the boys. We read a lot of picture books too - Bill Peet and Where's Waldo books being current favorites. I was inspired by<a href="http://theoldwhitefarmhouse.blogspot.com/2010/05/summer-update.html"> Jennifer's plan </a>to spend 2 hours a day 3 days a week reading - how fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6Gbz2D-HAfd3lM5B6gwGBXAmI8iKynmoMESibU5wgSpUVpkVztA4OBfH2a9fqtoO0BjDlw0L7taN4dYO6HrNcj8ACIKeZF6KNe0AUoc19FcPYoQ7E2gYpdVAoIU5pwhdseiv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6Gbz2D-HAfd3lM5B6gwGBXAmI8iKynmoMESibU5wgSpUVpkVztA4OBfH2a9fqtoO0BjDlw0L7taN4dYO6HrNcj8ACIKeZF6KNe0AUoc19FcPYoQ7E2gYpdVAoIU5pwhdseiv/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
2. Play at home. At the end of last summer I picked up a small kiddie pool for a ridiculously cheap price (somewhere in the 95% off range) and we have been enjoying the fun it has provided. The boys have been out in it almost daily. I picked up some water guns for them and given them smaller containers to use out there too and I don't think I could pay money for them to have more fun! <a href="http://www.remodelingthislife.com/2010/06/01/thrifty-summer-fun/">Emily has a great list of frugal summer fun </a>to do at home, complete with really cute pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolIpOAQBINbHYX2EHZzIPnnb4U6Q_4CMDa8qZh0aaAXWK_N2sgju0Vd53ceRmGoniX7RnyjEYKt3EoB6Itne8iAZVfWL4k7mIl655IAXu8GiHob0dbyXTALXH2YgKqQ4oJbpx/s1600/DSC_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolIpOAQBINbHYX2EHZzIPnnb4U6Q_4CMDa8qZh0aaAXWK_N2sgju0Vd53ceRmGoniX7RnyjEYKt3EoB6Itne8iAZVfWL4k7mIl655IAXu8GiHob0dbyXTALXH2YgKqQ4oJbpx/s320/DSC_1044.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Head to the beach. We are 3 hours from the ocean which is a reasonable distance for a day trip and the boys are such a fun age for this! We have made it out there 2 or 3 times each summer for the last couple years, so hopefully we'll be able to do a couple trips this summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHkyPINNwi3bpAc-v_fzJ6CmRIth0ZBEGcv2wG79bQzHd0Ol4PNMdDg1lYWPUREs-NjZl7BuFCLkIoGBSFogRzpbk_X4ysVhA4qYMdPZYn9rdD0af065yIK4YkrFq0izmnxFo/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHkyPINNwi3bpAc-v_fzJ6CmRIth0ZBEGcv2wG79bQzHd0Ol4PNMdDg1lYWPUREs-NjZl7BuFCLkIoGBSFogRzpbk_X4ysVhA4qYMdPZYn9rdD0af065yIK4YkrFq0izmnxFo/s320/dinner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Have <i>grown up</i> friends over a bit more often. For dinner or just desserts. And games. Always for games. I would like to spend a bit more time investing in the lives of others and building friendships. And I dearly love the interaction between our friends and our boys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQp96abZParC2USQMCQNxjVuQqVIupCTGAKh5utPuxTVYCLhl_AMCb-GUwVt_hvrKQyVKoIrrqkG2qizv1y2ugvS5syekzQKQofm9XdQ11bUL_1tv60o5kXQ_aJfQ8Xnf9U-H/s1600/judah+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQp96abZParC2USQMCQNxjVuQqVIupCTGAKh5utPuxTVYCLhl_AMCb-GUwVt_hvrKQyVKoIrrqkG2qizv1y2ugvS5syekzQKQofm9XdQ11bUL_1tv60o5kXQ_aJfQ8Xnf9U-H/s320/judah+%283%29.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Inspire the imagination. I love toys like this marble run where you can create to your hearts content - legos and building blocks are also favorites here as they all inspire creativity. On top of playing I want to encourage the imagination with experiences and letter writing. We made a recent trip to the Fire station and Judah talks about it all the time and uses facts he learned there in his imaginative play. I love that! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys also sit with me and "write" a letter with me once a week - I hope to do this more frequently with them through the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJJBOoYPKKIkpVeEogUCx-WRekYRWG7DyKXB2_cufOWha2iSj6FpvQYhEObbrgbdjw9c8na1YWLIsJcBy98clwjepfrye8L9YhpzTjSW6wKeZNjMoTkeXxSBanTXVEzYiZsAS/s1600/green3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJJBOoYPKKIkpVeEogUCx-WRekYRWG7DyKXB2_cufOWha2iSj6FpvQYhEObbrgbdjw9c8na1YWLIsJcBy98clwjepfrye8L9YhpzTjSW6wKeZNjMoTkeXxSBanTXVEzYiZsAS/s320/green3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Go camping. Our recent planned camping trip got rained out and the boys are as excited as anything to go camping. Depending on Paul's work schedule we may do this a couple times this summer. We recently found all the camping supplies we could imagine needing at a yard sale for an excellent deal and so are all set and ready to go as soon as he gets some time off! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-83282104000263529452010-06-09T21:04:00.000-05:002010-06-09T21:04:01.858-05:00Breads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAXCHU5XZ8OSlxfKnRCm62eayeNlADDpt-TawBp6PeOELFfhr5YC-qJ5Ni3juhvtqQy9MZxMWjIU9HapdCiMDA1hQmWZ-aRiFCL71tWVCianO2aejASLsjBWdm8cESVpD1TtT/s1600/_DSC0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAXCHU5XZ8OSlxfKnRCm62eayeNlADDpt-TawBp6PeOELFfhr5YC-qJ5Ni3juhvtqQy9MZxMWjIU9HapdCiMDA1hQmWZ-aRiFCL71tWVCianO2aejASLsjBWdm8cESVpD1TtT/s320/_DSC0943.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have long aspired to stop buying bread from the grocery store and make all of my own from scratch. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While my sister was staying with us for 6 months she very kindly took on the job of making bread for us and came up with two fabulous recipes that she made many times and since she has left I have made several times. It was during her time here that I stopped buying commercially made bread products - apart from tortillas. I buy a lot of flour tortillas and it suddenly hit me today that I should try making my own, and so I did. WOW! What an incredible difference. Before sharing the recipe and how I served them here are the other two bread recipes I frequently make:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIORe7M6q5kqOU0WfqkWzgTOhNZPqK67G6jw0f41LBHc4jVHppmTviaxVE27UJ8XCWj-e6k7kXgySmxBblp-7ZygvV066Zj_r6HIFdJwacjZpdLEGmbmERNnhJZx7ZSpi1xmN/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIORe7M6q5kqOU0WfqkWzgTOhNZPqK67G6jw0f41LBHc4jVHppmTviaxVE27UJ8XCWj-e6k7kXgySmxBblp-7ZygvV066Zj_r6HIFdJwacjZpdLEGmbmERNnhJZx7ZSpi1xmN/s320/bread.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The <a href="http://estherskitchenescapades.blogspot.com/2010/03/ciabatta-bread.html">Ciabatta Bread</a> is so very easy to make and is delicious - most especially with soup! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It literally takes minutes to prepare the dough and then you can let it sit all day or all night and then just pour onto your baking dish. Seriously easy and so good! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc_Ng3XqFnaQ-KZpaq19DrmyCXWEl5U0tyjNreRM_jJwoZ2m_TPTCyNzG16ZYweqwfvlAaz0b_GD2O_I-UxXIWKmqba_YMADDnAnQlz5AjsVeSHBbsYiPXMtWu6ZZEpDmUlbv/s1600/_DSC0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc_Ng3XqFnaQ-KZpaq19DrmyCXWEl5U0tyjNreRM_jJwoZ2m_TPTCyNzG16ZYweqwfvlAaz0b_GD2O_I-UxXIWKmqba_YMADDnAnQlz5AjsVeSHBbsYiPXMtWu6ZZEpDmUlbv/s320/_DSC0635.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The <a href="http://estherskitchenescapades.blogspot.com/2010/05/hamburger-rolls.html">Hamburger Rolls</a> are incredible - I don't think I can go back to store bought rolls, these are so delicious and they really are very simple to make, you just need to account for the rising time and plan accordingly. Esther made them look so fun with different toppings sprinkled on hers, I just used Italian seasoning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZo6F5PkEzj6wRusLR-k-zyV_7ARFaEZSQoNTXsDuH3NGfWpde8QpLZEJS_OomW4_S730peLUlwD50eb49D1pjckICSFLzcQJDFXg8MvfY77xtvk0P7GkgURe8Xc-kRvbe1R/s1600/_DSC0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZo6F5PkEzj6wRusLR-k-zyV_7ARFaEZSQoNTXsDuH3NGfWpde8QpLZEJS_OomW4_S730peLUlwD50eb49D1pjckICSFLzcQJDFXg8MvfY77xtvk0P7GkgURe8Xc-kRvbe1R/s320/_DSC0639.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made them this week and served them toasted with BBQ<a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=56190&c1=10435"> chicken breasts</a> from Schwan's - their chicken is my new favorite! So tender and yummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNS6bhz0QEmr8yswlj2wU_Xr5cgIp6DDd1Ff9uXBaRlqGozwaIamPvCehjuwzrtQqnl74Aas4-quy3iswsY3ywIEsLPDMaZMfdp07YTDYaCaEVIKByvoqWy7NbhFl-1HQ3BZC/s1600/_DSC0945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNS6bhz0QEmr8yswlj2wU_Xr5cgIp6DDd1Ff9uXBaRlqGozwaIamPvCehjuwzrtQqnl74Aas4-quy3iswsY3ywIEsLPDMaZMfdp07YTDYaCaEVIKByvoqWy7NbhFl-1HQ3BZC/s320/_DSC0945.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used the left over BBQ chicken and mixed in some black beans and added some cheddar cheese and rolled it up in the homemade tortillas - so tasty and simple. Paul requested that it become a regular dinner! What a sweet compliment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade Flour Tortilla Recipe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li>4 cups flour</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>2 tsps baking powder</li>
<li>2 TBS butter (called for lard, but we don't use it), softened</li>
<li>1.5 cups water</li>
</ul><ol><li> Mix the dry ingredients. Add the butter and mix with your hands - it will be sort of lumpy but not really. I almost panicked as it didn't seem like a proper consistency, but it worked out fine in the end! Add the water and mix (I continued doing so with my hands) until the dough is a smooth and elastic consistency.</li>
<li>Divide the dough into 24 pieces and roll into balls. I patted each ball with flour as I shaped them - it helped make the ball easier to shape and also made rolling it out easier too. This recipe really does make 24 balls, however several times I did combine two balls to make one larger tortilla.</li>
<li>Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. I used a tiny bit of butter in the bottom, but I don't think it's required. <br />
Using a floured rolling pin roll out the tortillas - getting them super flat takes a bit of work, as does getting a nice circular shape. Mine were either perfectly thin or perfectly shaped - I didn't nail both in the same tortilla. (And you know what? No one cared!) </li>
<li>Place the rolled dough in skillet until golden and bubbly and then flip - about 30 seconds per side. </li>
<li>Continue rolling and cooking the tortillas as you eat the ones you have prepared. </li>
</ol><span style="font-size: x-small;">...while writing this out I had a sudden weird feeling that maybe I have made these in the past, but having searched this blog and my recipe blog I can't find any mention of it. But regardless, this recipe will now become a constant</span>. <br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-15747159580950122692010-06-08T14:33:00.001-05:002010-06-08T14:34:04.805-05:00Yard Sale Find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoBh2P8utl2AlEF_honzi4WiN7zyb9k9KmrNJBvRELkeneQONOPZ8MvERwfBe2gpe5C-Gj9UUgCMZWFes2hrGuk8q1OaBXZJWgnAeRaOcUgBGKlzDCni41n99S4P3WDkGDCQR/s1600/_DSC0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoBh2P8utl2AlEF_honzi4WiN7zyb9k9KmrNJBvRELkeneQONOPZ8MvERwfBe2gpe5C-Gj9UUgCMZWFes2hrGuk8q1OaBXZJWgnAeRaOcUgBGKlzDCni41n99S4P3WDkGDCQR/s400/_DSC0889.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this decorative bird cage at a yard sale for $2.50 I thought it was so cute and was inspired to use it to hold some hydrangeas from our garden. Are they not just spectacular in their array of colors? I love the former owners for all the beautiful plants they planted!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L6b-3nHN1fQ-xWi8rwWcOQrqUgBfqWM5p2j9rmjXaeZCTWNMMvQBblTwSBOArGgDtSuEgIiCgZAAeFX8oCFxLwbNS4w8qeCFEgXP0bSIzqJzxoijLjRVtEDITWBQXsk8OXZB/s1600/_DSC0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L6b-3nHN1fQ-xWi8rwWcOQrqUgBfqWM5p2j9rmjXaeZCTWNMMvQBblTwSBOArGgDtSuEgIiCgZAAeFX8oCFxLwbNS4w8qeCFEgXP0bSIzqJzxoijLjRVtEDITWBQXsk8OXZB/s400/_DSC0890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am toying with the idea of painting it white. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But everyone paints everything white these days, and I'm not so much a fad follower, so I am trying to decide if I'd really love it white or if I am just tempted to do it because that is what everyone else is doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peer pressure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You never lose it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQhUQ_wPyGPd15Yn1SQU62gWZ1wBJUQMahbod-LxrDz_ZAS8SsPU4R98hERlPC9t6TudgGQtTK0K_rCk6SFeqROO9Q6kMxE2EIY1ZAWg-ylqVGitQSHHWMGpiKD0vORwTAe1J/s1600/_DSC0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQhUQ_wPyGPd15Yn1SQU62gWZ1wBJUQMahbod-LxrDz_ZAS8SsPU4R98hERlPC9t6TudgGQtTK0K_rCk6SFeqROO9Q6kMxE2EIY1ZAWg-ylqVGitQSHHWMGpiKD0vORwTAe1J/s400/_DSC0892.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the arrangement on our back porch and then moved it to the table by our front door - it's such a cheerful arrangement to see when we walk in the front door! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBejqnxjOrUmyN4xcnASsIYUiGf1DQGy21DVi-FZTyOviA_8SwRFioucM160TJYLpPzTexT7yQcn4JXJbKBTXIebo8mjhRZ3_lHcXTNLu4xu_qYQM_QEGjVBtzuilwYbor9uE/s1600/_DSC0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBejqnxjOrUmyN4xcnASsIYUiGf1DQGy21DVi-FZTyOviA_8SwRFioucM160TJYLpPzTexT7yQcn4JXJbKBTXIebo8mjhRZ3_lHcXTNLu4xu_qYQM_QEGjVBtzuilwYbor9uE/s400/_DSC0912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this frame now has a picture in it - I am just too lazy to take a second picture of it! </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-20194593660634607092010-06-06T20:43:00.001-05:002010-06-07T07:41:40.085-05:00The Jumping Thing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5gJAUxzmIVMd5kSrmrNgmsNieeMc2LQq5Kwp83grL41cqWps-AVzKFC36UhQUdAsUfi6Ucak-kh_ks1H84UbOcMNCk1uQAA8fKnHSZxyi88ZTnb89shr7ZDjNt79BG-HEHZx/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5gJAUxzmIVMd5kSrmrNgmsNieeMc2LQq5Kwp83grL41cqWps-AVzKFC36UhQUdAsUfi6Ucak-kh_ks1H84UbOcMNCk1uQAA8fKnHSZxyi88ZTnb89shr7ZDjNt79BG-HEHZx/s400/5.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4RvuCKuvs_3Fm2HeaeU03KLraEN7UiNO_xyF-_RTk1-67RkFCqdjMljDrSAFhdsNUDYXuoznvgVkwHEByf-KgserOovS5lRChuwSbiOLOHpiNkgM1OptB9EDbfVqGPsCkaEG/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4RvuCKuvs_3Fm2HeaeU03KLraEN7UiNO_xyF-_RTk1-67RkFCqdjMljDrSAFhdsNUDYXuoznvgVkwHEByf-KgserOovS5lRChuwSbiOLOHpiNkgM1OptB9EDbfVqGPsCkaEG/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://new.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-38587954188055067992010-06-05T13:31:00.000-05:002010-06-05T13:31:26.307-05:00Kinderkitchen Products for Budding Chefs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMzgPhTSwTlFXKHTy6qWzQa5iupzJC7KUc5qBRddS8CeGQ9x74y0z4wGvl-GA7lxpQmA1MNoqGn2EToWGr47QS3r2E0iuZQXvR1fPKwoM6Nad6hyphenhyphenelmzaEINjIoYgbWlNGwMx/s1600/_DSC0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMzgPhTSwTlFXKHTy6qWzQa5iupzJC7KUc5qBRddS8CeGQ9x74y0z4wGvl-GA7lxpQmA1MNoqGn2EToWGr47QS3r2E0iuZQXvR1fPKwoM6Nad6hyphenhyphenelmzaEINjIoYgbWlNGwMx/s400/_DSC0622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Knowing that a lot of my readers have young children (or grandchildren!) I am so very excited to share these products with you. We really like all of the <a href="http://www.kuhnrikon.com/products/kinder/">Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen</a> products that we have tried and I think you will too!! These are great kitchen utensils for children to safely use to do real food prep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNguFr5w83jlsq2_iqXTF5bxAlL3be9Sig7hIu6crdS-nW8uhBJ4bc7NU-szuu8obeKTj2V5_0PIdtw_C6xyoPz8D0H-9IltiLE5dAHH802v2pByS9mXogktL5D-ToIYprU1sG/s1600/_DSC0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNguFr5w83jlsq2_iqXTF5bxAlL3be9Sig7hIu6crdS-nW8uhBJ4bc7NU-szuu8obeKTj2V5_0PIdtw_C6xyoPz8D0H-9IltiLE5dAHH802v2pByS9mXogktL5D-ToIYprU1sG/s320/_DSC0626.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I was first introduced to these several weeks ago when a friend sent a couple items to us. I was charmed by their quirkiness and impressed with the quality and set out to learn more about the company. <br />
Kuhn Rikon kindly sent us three additional items and their usefulness and charm has won all our hearts. Even Paul likes the children kitchen tools, which is rare for him to like anything designed for children.<br />
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<b>I want to clearly state that these items would not be in our home, let alone featured on my blog, if I didn't think they were an excellent, quality item that offer a useful function</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JRDJkDnfxbuMC1IixYUEGHa_FDR79E0eheaJM8qckfzeLBv7L7Pey0LAtx37hbGVPvv9AqYN6YLmcSI_MUKOYaQ5jiYvhDKGzt1VFXKUqHAbJqpS-XcaxoIWoXXJYaLiC6-d/s1600/_DSC0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JRDJkDnfxbuMC1IixYUEGHa_FDR79E0eheaJM8qckfzeLBv7L7Pey0LAtx37hbGVPvv9AqYN6YLmcSI_MUKOYaQ5jiYvhDKGzt1VFXKUqHAbJqpS-XcaxoIWoXXJYaLiC6-d/s400/_DSC0377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Both of my boys love helping in the kitchen and Paul and I both strongly encourage them to assist us, using our real kitchen tools. <br />
They also love to pretend cook in their own little kitchen and hate play kid utensils and prefer to use "the real thing." And because they are accustomed to helping us in the kitchen they are well aware of all the kitchen utensils and feel free to help themselves to items from the drawer. I have always struggled with this balance - I don't like my utensils traveling all over the house, some of them are too dangerous to be played with unsupervised, yet I want to encourage imaginative play mixed with reality.<br />
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This product has solved that problem - the kitchen items are real tools that can be used to prepare real dishes, but they are also safe for children to play with. They are recommended for ages 4 and up but of the 5 we have only 1 is not appropriate for them to use unsupervised at their ages of 23 months and 3 years.<br />
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I don't have a picture of each Kinderkitchen product that we own so I have included an Amazon link so you can see the item. While Amazon is fairly competitive on their prices I would encourage you to shop around for the best price if you want to purchase these for your family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Kinderkitchen-Crocodile-Jaws/dp/B001UK1BIY?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Crocodile Jaws</a></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UK1BIY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> - These are sturdy tongs and while the intended use is to transfer items from a serving dish to ones plate my boys prefer to use it to transfer food from their plate to their mouth. I need to buy a second one of these as it's one of the most popular item! This is well made, appealing to kids and easy to use<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Kinderkitchen-Mouse-Measuring/dp/B001UK3F8I?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mouse Measuring Cups</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UK3F8I" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </span>- These are just darling and I love having them on display. They are also now my favorite measuring cups for dry stuff.<br />
I didn't find them very easy for the boys to use with wet ingredients in them, but it was just fine with dry ingredients. I also love that each size is a different color as it makes it easier for Judah to grab the correct scoop.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Kinderkitchen-Duck-Snippers/dp/B001UJY6NM?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Duck Snippers</span> </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UJY6NM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />- This is the only tool we don't leave in the boys play kitchen for them to play with at will. They aren't sharp scissors but they have the ability to cut things that I may not want cut. The beak of the duck is a sheath for the scissors.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Kinderkitchen-Cockatiel-Whisk/dp/B001UK5KZE?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Cockatiel Whisk</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UK5KZE" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </span>- The Cockatiel whisk is cute, but to me it is just a whisk. I neither love it nor hate it. It hangs in their <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/01/toy-god-gave-us.html">Pottery Barn kitchen</a> and I like the look of it hanging there but if I had to pick my least favorite item this would be it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Kinderkitchen-Dog-Knife/dp/B001UK3FAQ?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Dog Knife</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UK3FAQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></span> - The dog knife is every ones favorite. If you only pick one item to buy, this is it! This is a child safe knife, in a super fun design. The ears of the dog serve as a guard to keep your fingers from slipping down the knife. Both boys can use this safely without supervision - with no risk of them cutting themselves and yet fully able to cut softer items, such as the strawberries as pictured above. Judah sat and cut .5 lb of strawberries for me the other day - it was truly a huge help!<br />
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If you're looking for cooking utensils for your children or a cool birthday or Christmas gift for someone elses child I would highly recommend these products!! <br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-59868682102818097202010-06-04T07:49:00.000-05:002010-06-04T07:49:23.771-05:00Green Smoothie for Veggie Hater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGjmiNliNJyepnscd3Q37_uzp6TGO9hUFwog7vBIgmbCYmxPZfLslXGlhx-ckhB2qZ4cgtvMfNb3lqakxLzyTWGv7CKODbCwn6b95wTj0ENvyEJ6amZnpTyzgK1482YznInO4/s1600/adam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGjmiNliNJyepnscd3Q37_uzp6TGO9hUFwog7vBIgmbCYmxPZfLslXGlhx-ckhB2qZ4cgtvMfNb3lqakxLzyTWGv7CKODbCwn6b95wTj0ENvyEJ6amZnpTyzgK1482YznInO4/s400/adam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet Adam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A vegetable hater. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made him a <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/search/label/green%20smoothies">green smoothie</a> yesterday and, in his words;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span><i>I don't love it. But I don't hate it either. I would drink this if someone made it for me again.</i><span style="font-size: large;">"</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That, dear readers, is a huge mark of success. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We used our new favorite special ingredient for his smoothie - <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=66008&c1=10427&c2=10439">Schwan's Golden Fruit Blend</a>. This fruit blend is incredibly delicious. It includes pineapple, mango, peaches and strawberries. It is our favorite frozen fruit blend that we have ever used. It is too expensive for us to use with great frequency (given that we are drinking 3 a day we do try to use ingredients we find on sale) but we have both agreed that we enjoy this blend so much it will become a staple in our freezer for extra special <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/search/label/green%20smoothies">green smoothies</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tF8He7wnlOJEr_0S_Z59g8rjuJ5PP6ZdyC2gGsQziEfPSyuBmKpj1LgmKHNEaHtetFT7lcW8j1luRRGBojCGW4DnMCA9YO4Pt1EBEXzqEp1yaI27OBsIJbvM5tC6HGrT_cWW/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tF8He7wnlOJEr_0S_Z59g8rjuJ5PP6ZdyC2gGsQziEfPSyuBmKpj1LgmKHNEaHtetFT7lcW8j1luRRGBojCGW4DnMCA9YO4Pt1EBEXzqEp1yaI27OBsIJbvM5tC6HGrT_cWW/s320/smoothie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the recipe we made Adam</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8oz Kale</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 carrot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 Tablespoons coconut oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1.5 cups <a href="http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=66008&c1=10427&c2=10439">Golden Fruit Blend</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>about</i> 1 cup water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>about</i> 2 frozen bananas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>about</i> 1 cup of ice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-18874690232633381852010-06-02T09:06:00.001-05:002010-06-08T14:13:31.064-05:00Defining Priorities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w28uNTeI4qMHQ1dAVy9Zcg9DA0OFTBFAnV_ryTPLRnKCK39zDXswGzbh3gZVKPubudx2QrJDrUOnD6cVHdx8FLZW5815dGzeC5QmWeD0bmCu-CYsBhI8rbaKu9vwplQC_drz/s1600/an19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w28uNTeI4qMHQ1dAVy9Zcg9DA0OFTBFAnV_ryTPLRnKCK39zDXswGzbh3gZVKPubudx2QrJDrUOnD6cVHdx8FLZW5815dGzeC5QmWeD0bmCu-CYsBhI8rbaKu9vwplQC_drz/s400/an19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>For everything there is a season... </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes simply enjoying my current season of life is hard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>As a single person I wanted to get married. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>As a new bride I wanted babies. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>With new babies I wanted talking, interacting toddlers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not that I didn't enjoy or appreciate each new season, because I did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I have always looked forward to the next season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I struggle with balance, priorities and simply being present in the here and now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I struggle when I compare myself to other moms who are leading entirely different lives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not better lives. Not worse lives. Just different - and I start to wonder if my life shouldn't be <b><i>different</i></b> like theirs too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's at times that I struggle that I am most grateful for a <b>defined list of priorities</b> for myself, my children and our family. Because then even if I feel like doing something that will completely redirect us, I don't. Because it's not part of the plan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A plan that we have prayed about, sought guidance for and <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/creating-family-motto.html">matches up with our family motto</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not that having a list of priorities makes the challenges any less of a challenge, but it reminds me of why I am doing what I'm doing. It reminds me of what the (hopeful!) end goal is. And it reminds me that there have been hours of prayer put into the defined priority list - and it makes deciding what I should actually do easier.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And maybe this makes no sense to anyone else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I needed to remind myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sharing on <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting at the Sky </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-39590171284796846082010-05-30T18:50:00.000-05:002010-05-30T18:50:37.234-05:00Green Smoothies - the Liquids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5x8bGdV_s78XZWvjo9mMRzrXh-zD6KKRhFQLTPrjgKYhn7sb5WC9PwLBaY_0P8rvlWrLm-_LGo5MFsnxkhCU7VP11ceaIP7lMzH19X1nHCzDxKOFlMsa-ouev1qTmvtg35Pc/s1600/smoothie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5x8bGdV_s78XZWvjo9mMRzrXh-zD6KKRhFQLTPrjgKYhn7sb5WC9PwLBaY_0P8rvlWrLm-_LGo5MFsnxkhCU7VP11ceaIP7lMzH19X1nHCzDxKOFlMsa-ouev1qTmvtg35Pc/s400/smoothie1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE LIQUIDS</b></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We broke down the content of our smoothie into 4 basic groups so that we could easily build a healthy smoothie each time based off the basic groups. We always make sure to add items from each group to ensure a nutritious and delicious smoothie. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">As mentioned before, these are our 4 groups:</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/green-smoothies-leafy-greens.html">Greens</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Liquid</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fats</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Special</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am going to do a separate post about each category to keep it simpler and more organized. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">All posts should be up by the end of the weekend! </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have tried my best to answer questions as they have come up, if I missed your question or you have another one feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LIQUID</b></span>- There isn't a whole lot to say on this addition. Liquid is essential to help blend and thin out the smoothie. You can play with the amount of liquid you add to change the thickness of your smoothie and also the consistency of your smoothie. We mainly use water and if we use something other than water we do consider it as part of the 'special' group, but for the sake of organization I will list all of the liquids we have used here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Grapefruit juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Coconut milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Milk*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Apple Juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Almond milk </div><br />
*we are slowly weeding milk out of our diet. We haven't used it in a long time, but we use to. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also consider ice as part of our liquid, and as mentioned before sometimes use frozen cucumbers or frozen bananas in place of ice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The liquid should be added first to your blender as it helps create a vortex of sorts and blends up the greens more thoroughly. And as several people commented earlier, it helps prolong the life of the motor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this section is rather short I'll add a fun tip we discovered a couple weeks ago: if you have extra smoothie pour it into a Popsicle mold and put it in the freezer - easy, cheap and tasty Popsicle treats that are good for the kids! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had hoped to get the whole series complete this weekend, but I was in Atlanta all day Friday for a Photoshop seminar, spent yesterday pulling staples and cleaning glue off the hardwood floors we discovered upstairs under the carpet, tomorrow we are spending all day with various friends and Tuesday we are going away for our first camping trip with the boys. I committed to more than I can complete this weekend, so the 'fats; and 'special' will be addressed later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGUxuyI9-jWklChzJJIQOTls5dqjdJGRAFAApiPLFxq7IJbJU2fGV5dINg4VAnm8RK04E35cZjDoQ1cqAUR1e_elub95hFV6jJCcPIB7I8CtVEf6-KmaT7b-iFm_yjyO6fjxY/s1600/rose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGUxuyI9-jWklChzJJIQOTls5dqjdJGRAFAApiPLFxq7IJbJU2fGV5dINg4VAnm8RK04E35cZjDoQ1cqAUR1e_elub95hFV6jJCcPIB7I8CtVEf6-KmaT7b-iFm_yjyO6fjxY/s400/rose1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Memorial Day! </div><br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-42238375377403627482010-05-27T10:22:00.000-05:002010-05-27T10:22:16.386-05:00Green Smoothies - the Leafy Greens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo5-PwDbOJgnsMhFwGTAA7xzU7cQrA989movo2Boyr9Gei0ZypPzJ10zUKiYesDPyDyuUyNbvO2mb0d1KRBGYzJhqFC6jnIXWuZBb77Phc18Il9m6P4HHAw2kq3oBr856e4Gb/s1600/smmoth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo5-PwDbOJgnsMhFwGTAA7xzU7cQrA989movo2Boyr9Gei0ZypPzJ10zUKiYesDPyDyuUyNbvO2mb0d1KRBGYzJhqFC6jnIXWuZBb77Phc18Il9m6P4HHAw2kq3oBr856e4Gb/s400/smmoth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We broke down<a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-we-drink-green-smoothies-3-times_18.html"> the content of our smoothie into 4 basic groups</a> so that we could easily build a healthy smoothie each time based off the basic groups. We always make sure to add items from each group to ensure a nutritious and delicious smoothie. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As mentioned before, these are our 4 groups:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Liquid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am going to do a separate post about each category to keep it simpler and more organized. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All posts should be up by the end of the weekend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have tried my best to answer questions as they have come up, if I missed your question or you have another one feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>GREENS</b></span> - The foundation of every green smoothie is of course the green, leafy vegetables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leafy greens have more nutrition per calorie than any other food. They are a significant source of vitamins A, C, E and K and several B vitamins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greens are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. In fact we use greens as our number one source of calcium for the boys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are rich in fiber, extremely low in fat and carbohydrates and provide an excellent source of protein.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For our smoothies I use:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kale</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Spinach </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Turnip Greens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have used Mustard Greens and do not recommend them. Perhaps one day I'll find a good mix for them, but they are somewhat spicy and not at all enjoyable to us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have heard that you need to mix up the greens you are eating, but I was unsure why so sent an e-mail to my MIL asking her. Here's what she said:</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span>Because of a substance called oxalic acid in some greens like spinach and parsley, it is good to alternate your greens. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1274533594_7">Oxalic acid</span> is a mineral inhibitor (it blocks the absorption of minerals in the body) that is deactivated with cooking so using these kinds of raw greens in large quantities can be a problem. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1274533594_8">Swiss Chard</span> and romaine lettuce are free of oxalic acid. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1274533594_9">Kale</span> is low in oxalic acid and should not be an issue.<span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span></span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I alternate based on what is on sale or what I can find in stock, but we primarily use kale because it is the cheapest and we drink so many. Spinach has the least texture and taste to it so if you are starting out I would recommend starting with that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other options we haven't yet tried include Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Parsley, Dandelion Greens and Beet Greens. Lettuce can be used too but it is not as nutritionally dense as the other greens. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the actual leafy greens we also include other vegetables in this category. They never take the place of the leafy greens, but they can be added in addition to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other vegetables we add include;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Carrots - these add a great flavor and texture to smoothies<br />
</div>-Cucumber - not sure that they are worthwhile nutritionally wise, but they are used to balance out the 'liquid' category sometimes. I have also frozen them and used them in place of ice.<br />
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A friend of mine uses beets in hers, but we haven't tried that yet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BLoi-uHwdqaad3TdVYTYRzQyAyVHCucfuFfnIQbBddvlbnhtq7ePjb7Hf9nC7Uq754M0v6CihAvKSrhhpWfovljDCTqQQ9fvhdx0Ii03yo7u_hnr4O9bjP0okMMdTr61pik7/s1600/smoothie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BLoi-uHwdqaad3TdVYTYRzQyAyVHCucfuFfnIQbBddvlbnhtq7ePjb7Hf9nC7Uq754M0v6CihAvKSrhhpWfovljDCTqQQ9fvhdx0Ii03yo7u_hnr4O9bjP0okMMdTr61pik7/s320/smoothie4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Tips on Buying & Storing Greens:</b><br />
- Purchase the bundles of greens instead of prepackaged. Yes, you'll have to wash them yourself, but you will save a lot of money!<br />
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- Buy 3-4 days worth of greens at a time, any more than that and we have found they start to wilt.<br />
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- Ask the grocer how long the greens have been sitting out for and/or if they have any fresher greens in the back they could bring out for you. They have always been so kind and helpful in bringing me the freshest greens. <span style="font-size: x-small;">And this is just a me thing - but if they come from the back that means the general public hasn't had a chance to touch or sneeze on them yet. So much less gross to get them straight from the back!</span><br />
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- Buy the biggest bundle. Our greens are pre-bundled and sold by the bundle, not by weight. I have found bundles that are twice the size of the other bunches, and for the same price I snatch those up! <br />
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- Wash your greens on an as needed basis. I just use water to thoroughly clean them. <br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-31111522665505605762010-05-25T08:28:00.000-05:002010-05-25T08:28:52.857-05:00It is Coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD4mUffNWQJazirH9svYFnmal-YyT2SZYAqZjbkROC1KD9L3Vo5798kRTTnR2koXB-37YXiNOx3grdv_0AIPmBd5O_rIcNisVnWPYy__XJ20fNp4pjOOuZ8pVg7KBTgv-syat/s1600/smmoth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD4mUffNWQJazirH9svYFnmal-YyT2SZYAqZjbkROC1KD9L3Vo5798kRTTnR2koXB-37YXiNOx3grdv_0AIPmBd5O_rIcNisVnWPYy__XJ20fNp4pjOOuZ8pVg7KBTgv-syat/s400/smmoth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am working on the next in the series on Green Smoothies - thanks for being so patient! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been busy cleaning house - yesterday we tore up all the carpeting in Paul's office. We discovered that our entire upper level has dreamy wood floors and we can't wait to get rid of all the carpeting! His office is the first room we have cleared of carpet and I am already exhausted! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Judah has developed a passion for games and on Sunday we played no less than 10 games. <strike>Exhausting</strike>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to those that have voted for my photograph! It means a lot to me that so many of you would take the time to vote. The photography festival isn't until the beginning of June and I believe the voting is open until then. I will keep you posted if I place! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, I have posted a few new posts on my <a href="http://boyterrain.blogspot.com/2010/05/play-fighting.html">BOY TERRAIN</a> blog, the most recent being about their felt swords. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-5267545571009258532010-05-23T12:44:00.004-05:002010-05-23T17:15:26.798-05:00Help me win $200!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K7H5cZYDMyP8s_7bKEDO4CRuPM_ZY4Q9tJk5ZwX2V8usp_SH5_vNvtjWRmC7urVcZkA9DqkfSPEiLSNbOcN7hZZay1jkjIL4Y7md7LytuJSxSvVIKnuvVZx3EePDo9VkZP7q/s1600/People.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K7H5cZYDMyP8s_7bKEDO4CRuPM_ZY4Q9tJk5ZwX2V8usp_SH5_vNvtjWRmC7urVcZkA9DqkfSPEiLSNbOcN7hZZay1jkjIL4Y7md7LytuJSxSvVIKnuvVZx3EePDo9VkZP7q/s400/People.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am a finalist for a photography contest in our city and if you would <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://augustaphotofestival.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=123&Itemid=2#joomimg">CLICK HERE</a></span> to vote for me I would SO appreciate it!! You do need to log in to vote but it is a quick process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a cash prize of $200 to the person who gets the most votes and so <i><b>if you would ask your friends to vote too it would mean a lot to me!! </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(And for those of you following the<a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/04/20-bill-challenge.html"> $20 bill challenge</a> I took a huge gamble and used some of my money towards entering photos in this contest so this would go a LONG way to help me out!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NOTE: If clicking the link doesn't take you right to my image (which is the one above) then when you are on the gallery page select "Gallery - Finalist & People's Choice Voting" option from Main Menu on the left. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then click "PEOPLE" and my picture is the last one on the second page. You need to click on the picture and then click "vote now." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-90410463399037547062010-05-22T07:28:00.001-05:002010-05-25T08:37:56.059-05:00Reflections - Morning Devotions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4i40t9xw2wTH9wRNhPk7iIM-fMXaKddIIsXAtv2SRmgxWla0Gdy3bW1V2dYG2TFMlrAN0Vd7iKS6wnfldELUd3BhUXhnZ0f9fPirWsvBQxmi5tpTPuB8P96t6mlXEAoEN3N-/s1600/porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4i40t9xw2wTH9wRNhPk7iIM-fMXaKddIIsXAtv2SRmgxWla0Gdy3bW1V2dYG2TFMlrAN0Vd7iKS6wnfldELUd3BhUXhnZ0f9fPirWsvBQxmi5tpTPuB8P96t6mlXEAoEN3N-/s400/porch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am not a morning person. I never have been and always thought I never would be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is, up until three weeks ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hadn't been truly enjoying my hurried Bible devotions with little boys chasing each other and making war cries around me during my "quiet time." If I sent them outside to play during my planned devotion time they always found a (generally legitimate) reason to come ask me something or get my help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I tried reading in the evening after they were in bed I was too tired to put much effort into reading and praying and would usually drift off. I was certain if I got up early I would be as exhausted as I was in the evenings and so I lived quieting this need inside me to be spending more time in God's word, telling myself it would happen one day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWwe-J697JXLFnm29tDSMD_WtN0BcRlmEARMPzWmkWOhSg4-EJNo4Ck5KeA3XVk9LnyzFJdi4yNe_aIPAIHxgsrE0JgSacu8ixqQKoIWu2hqi7QrEsrQXKSYpjSlrB2mPFu8v/s1600/flower1+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWwe-J697JXLFnm29tDSMD_WtN0BcRlmEARMPzWmkWOhSg4-EJNo4Ck5KeA3XVk9LnyzFJdi4yNe_aIPAIHxgsrE0JgSacu8ixqQKoIWu2hqi7QrEsrQXKSYpjSlrB2mPFu8v/s320/flower1+%282%29.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then about 3 weeks ago I decided I needed to change something about the way I was reading His word. Stuffing a quick reading into a distracting 5-10 minutes wasn't satisfying. And I wanted more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I set my alarm for 6:30, and apart from the the two mornings I was away last weekend, have managed to get up fairly soon after that. This morning I was excited when my body woke up minutes before the alarm went off - I am slowly adjusting my sleeping habits and will set the alarm for even earlier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes, I fully realize many of you might be laughing at my 6:30 wake up being early for me. But <i>I am a work in progress</i>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZSWCroOd-OuwozjqvAsxwmMW-VmbExc4X9_ItC-Y-6huf5bObga9UZwm7vXhYbiX-k863sG62PHPK3IvHVrR48Ya8CgQLBWCx5j-qmcPnuxslXsCVipYnpupVL-oG495VtQy/s1600/zoo22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZSWCroOd-OuwozjqvAsxwmMW-VmbExc4X9_ItC-Y-6huf5bObga9UZwm7vXhYbiX-k863sG62PHPK3IvHVrR48Ya8CgQLBWCx5j-qmcPnuxslXsCVipYnpupVL-oG495VtQy/s320/zoo22.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My boys usually wake up around 8:30 so this gives me about 2 hours of quiet time to myself to read, pray, think, write and then get a head start on my to-do list.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFkmmPZQcBAm5lBp8Kav19H3CcvfHzNxSSq66iai8CE191NhQ1xO2AuMUWSSkX0Sp7GHOA9pHS4yS5O1QHQG3bNfA7zHsTWfotc0XvByl-L0Kz9vTZqSEsnT-N1lyB54vuubN/s1600/swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFkmmPZQcBAm5lBp8Kav19H3CcvfHzNxSSq66iai8CE191NhQ1xO2AuMUWSSkX0Sp7GHOA9pHS4yS5O1QHQG3bNfA7zHsTWfotc0XvByl-L0Kz9vTZqSEsnT-N1lyB54vuubN/s320/swing.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The time in the morning alone with the Lord has been wonderful. I start a load of laundry while brewing a cup of coffee or tea and then move to the back porch where I have created a little spot that is <i><b>my</b></i> area for the early morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last weekend at the conference one of the speakers, Becky Tirabassi, shared a One-year Bible and journal she had created. I have used them both this past week and enjoy them immensely. I want to wait until I have used them a bit longer before truly singing their praises, but so far they have been excellent tools.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBICG8WNvteWWVwYld9c4QlBpl65l-ScCp_GWPTSn5NZqMWSjZQs5Zd0nSjliYqqUaOhhwDbtiBRg89Zm2yG84Ic2aNV_meNNYrWdzF3K6bU_x8EZNGfgR0t3nGdMeSTu0lipS/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBICG8WNvteWWVwYld9c4QlBpl65l-ScCp_GWPTSn5NZqMWSjZQs5Zd0nSjliYqqUaOhhwDbtiBRg89Zm2yG84Ic2aNV_meNNYrWdzF3K6bU_x8EZNGfgR0t3nGdMeSTu0lipS/s320/butterfly.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"This is the day the Lord has made, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let us rejoice and be glad in it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Psalm 118:24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would you take a moment to <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/help-me-win-200.html">help me win $200</a>?!?! <br />
<br />
Sharing on <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting at the Sky </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-52881176209064791002010-05-20T11:48:00.002-05:002010-05-25T08:34:37.463-05:00Curried Black Beans over Couscous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPZg2N87qY0-1gUMbFr7jWXBMHCTM5jxCw2-3CcuV7Zy66yIPcIN60ZoaEVNYtC-gUKJjHZlIPMFJQ4auxlln0EmareTvXjtG_iE5cPYaLgCgrzJ0hp4unmdjd1JkbJljUb_V/s1600/curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPZg2N87qY0-1gUMbFr7jWXBMHCTM5jxCw2-3CcuV7Zy66yIPcIN60ZoaEVNYtC-gUKJjHZlIPMFJQ4auxlln0EmareTvXjtG_iE5cPYaLgCgrzJ0hp4unmdjd1JkbJljUb_V/s400/curry.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Curried Black Beans over Couscous</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our favorite dish this week has been curried black beans served over couscous - Paul enjoyed it so much he asked me to repeat the dish regularly! Thankfully I wrote down everything as I made it so it'll be easy to replicate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><ul><li>1 bag of couscous (I buy mine at Big Lots, but it should be in the international food section)</li>
<li>1 bag of black beans</li>
<li>1/3 onion</li>
<li>2 garlic cloves</li>
<li>salt</li>
<li>pepper</li>
<li>curry powder</li>
</ul><ol><li>Soak and cook black beans according to package. Note: this will take about 8 hours total. If you have never soaked your own beans I highly encourage it. They're healthier and cheaper and it's actually very easy.</li>
<li>Once the black beans are done, rinse them and place in a large bowl. Cook the couscous according to package directions. </li>
<li>Chop the onion and garlic into small pieces. Add to black beans. Add salt, pepper and curry seasoning to taste. I didn't write down how much I added, but I kept tasting the beans until I liked the flavor.<br />
<br />
Serve couscous on each plate and load curried beans on top. <br />
Have special toppings in individual bowls for people to add their favorites.<br />
The toppings we had on hand and used were:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>coconut</li>
<li>raw peanuts</li>
<li>raisins</li>
<li>yogurt</li>
</ul><br />
This was a huge hit with all 4 of us. But be warned - couscous is MESSY!! I learned my lesson long ago and made this dinner into a fun picnic so we could eat it outside.<br />
<br />
<b>USING THE LEFTOVERS</b> <br />
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The next day I had a lot of the curried bean mixture left over. I put it in our blender with a bit of coconut oil and blended it all up. I then spooned it into flour tortillas, added some home made hummus and cheese and wrapped the tortilla up tight. I put it under the broiler for a few minutes and we had an easy and delicious lunch with the left overs.<br />
Judah didn't care for it, but Paul, Wesley and myself really enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
Would you take a moment to <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/help-me-win-200.html">help me win $200</a>?!?! <br />
<br />
Sharing on <a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/">Tasty Tuesday </a><br />
</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-13289817158404640382010-05-20T07:56:00.004-05:002010-05-25T08:32:28.056-05:00The Perfect Cup of Coffee<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/meFpgUV6M2w&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/meFpgUV6M2w&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Would you take a moment to <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/help-me-win-200.html">help me win $200</a>?!?! <br />
<br />
Sharing on <a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/">Tasty Tuesday </a><br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-36804738147493741602010-05-18T20:03:00.000-05:002010-05-18T20:03:35.608-05:00Why We Drink Green Smoothies 3 Times a Day Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MpuMBqFgJa6DLODzrOgDpauXQrLKAlbQ02ToNpvUnCAGIdOJOCJIXPqWh54f_CGo3b4VqUlremZ3sOKcNWATp_m-bBgwHN1BlgJxBFp45L7UnSXui7d2JJoFhe4qBAGeIPI6/s1600/pushup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MpuMBqFgJa6DLODzrOgDpauXQrLKAlbQ02ToNpvUnCAGIdOJOCJIXPqWh54f_CGo3b4VqUlremZ3sOKcNWATp_m-bBgwHN1BlgJxBFp45L7UnSXui7d2JJoFhe4qBAGeIPI6/s320/pushup3.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> In<a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-we-drink-green-smoothies-3-times.html"> part 1 of my explanation as to why we drink 3 Green Smoothies a Day </a>I told you about my struggle with weight and my time using Mannatech. <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/warrior-diet.html">Part 2 explained my phase with the Warrior Diet</a>, which while successful left me craving more vegetables than I could chew! So then we started...</span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blending Our Green</span>s<br />
<br />
Somewhere in the midst of all this Paul asked me what I thought of getting a <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1274229975_5" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blendtec-TB-621-20-560-Watt-Total-Blender/dp/B000GIGZXM?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Blendtec Blender</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000GIGZXM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></span> so we could do Green Smoothies 3 times a day. We had been looking at the Blendtec on and off for the past year but it had always seemed like an unnecessary luxury.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
We have been making green smoothies for several years but we have also burned through 4 blenders in our 5 year marriage. We knew we needed a quality blender in order to keep up with our usage and with where we were both at fitness wise we knew we needed to shake things up a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luxury or not it suddenly seemed like a necessary item and since we had the cash to purchase it we went ahead and bought the Blendtec. (side note: you do not need a fancy blender to make the green smoothies! I personally think the Blendtec does a better job blending than our previous blenders, but apart from killing the motors on the other 4 blenders they did a good job blending the greens up.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ofJiX2pioud4Px8kppMMfa_9gSCgKeyXd-GDxKdpxNnBOr8-yAkba47Dzrx5gBz5P5HKEFm_GMuqthNUAqAxQkGpXbVnZJc4l-Tz4T2jyMSuuO83ghA6qyhPZfSJnxgHGEc/s1600/smo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6ofJiX2pioud4Px8kppMMfa_9gSCgKeyXd-GDxKdpxNnBOr8-yAkba47Dzrx5gBz5P5HKEFm_GMuqthNUAqAxQkGpXbVnZJc4l-Tz4T2jyMSuuO83ghA6qyhPZfSJnxgHGEc/s200/smo2.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Using the Blendtec three times a day has made all the difference in our lives as far as getting nutrient rich vegetables in our bodies and our boys bodies. Each smoothie is loaded with vegetables, healthy fats and some fruit - nutrients we would otherwise not be getting. <br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Since starting the smoothies 3 times a day my skin has become the nicest it has ever been - in fact I have entirely stopped wearing cover up or foundation because I actually really like my skin!</b><br />
<br />
I imagine one of the top questions in your mind is "If you are eating 3 green smoothies a day, what else are you eating?" Well, I am glad you asked! <br />
Here is how our eating schedule typically goes:<br />
<br />
Breakfast: Green smoothie for everyone. Boys eat additional breakfast of fruit, eggs, waffles, etc.<br />
<br />
Lunch: Green smoothie for everyone. Boys eat additional lunch<br />
<br />
Pre-dinner: Green smoothie for everyone<br />
<br />
Supper: Raw and cooked vegetables, protein, fats and carbs (pretty much still copying the Warrior Diet)<br />
<br />
Snacks: Honest, our snacking has almost been eliminated. If we do snack it is on more fruits or veggies, raw nuts, popcorn or crackers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Drinks: mainly water (I aim for 100+ oz a day), tea, coffee <br />
We are fairly simple.<br />
<br />
Once a week we set a day aside to eat all day long and whatever we'd like - this is to give us a "cheat" day so we don't feel the need to actually cheat and it also shakes up the metabolism. While we still maintain our 3 green smoothies we are free to eat anything else that appeals to us on that day without concern. That being said; the longer we've been eating this way the less we want to eat junk food. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoszhT9XkMD8L4YKejdEE4-Q8kuGbUO67zQAC1jg4tP0Z7zNhk5xGH7CaHcfStH9OPQGsKhwmFndoRD_OUeczZreLOoxnzhs9NWnOd5BGZp46f1abxbfE8a_2tKT_oJ1NXf06/s1600/smoothie3+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoszhT9XkMD8L4YKejdEE4-Q8kuGbUO67zQAC1jg4tP0Z7zNhk5xGH7CaHcfStH9OPQGsKhwmFndoRD_OUeczZreLOoxnzhs9NWnOd5BGZp46f1abxbfE8a_2tKT_oJ1NXf06/s320/smoothie3+%282%29.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Back to the smoothies... in order to make them a balanced part of our diet we came up with what we call <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;"><b><br />
<br />
"The 4 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1274229975_6" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Smoothie</span> Groups"<br />
</b></span><br />
The groups being:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Greens</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Liquid</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Fats</span><br style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> Special</span><br />
<br />
The Greens and the Fats being essential to a healthy, nutrient rich smoothie, the Liquid being needed to make it a <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-weight: bold;">smooth</span>ie and the Special making it palatable. <br />
<br />
While it is in no way an exhaustive list the next part in this series will jump into the 4 Smoothie Groups we have made up and explain the health benefits of the items we chose to put in our smoothies...<br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-41146464903344241432010-05-17T06:31:00.000-05:002010-05-17T06:31:04.208-05:00Faces &Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9uog-026Qkn3Prac7kNYhtIyUTpPAeCWr0mAJPTgRFYnBzJtAQmV6D3SzRJJdrrwlJVuF77KVTUaA-61gUuq8Ox0Rr2hvSswTmaW9cnIMtT444GTxrs4YKfxjdxhpC_8LHef/s1600/wes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9uog-026Qkn3Prac7kNYhtIyUTpPAeCWr0mAJPTgRFYnBzJtAQmV6D3SzRJJdrrwlJVuF77KVTUaA-61gUuq8Ox0Rr2hvSswTmaW9cnIMtT444GTxrs4YKfxjdxhpC_8LHef/s400/wes3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I_Heart_Faces_noborder_125x100.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-70651309919319368522010-05-16T16:48:00.000-05:002010-05-16T16:48:35.219-05:00A Weekend of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_vJOHrOoxnqiZwWGXUelCuTr2mUQcmt4qBuGTSX0FDrfZMyDdLwktTsIUavb4r2vpZpXV_4TdftNTbZR5q85m6CEwFLPPgAdvJ8DVKD2Fqp7hQECT63ouiWwpyNeHzcJDnH/s1600/an10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_vJOHrOoxnqiZwWGXUelCuTr2mUQcmt4qBuGTSX0FDrfZMyDdLwktTsIUavb4r2vpZpXV_4TdftNTbZR5q85m6CEwFLPPgAdvJ8DVKD2Fqp7hQECT63ouiWwpyNeHzcJDnH/s320/an10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the weekend at the <a href="http://www.womenofjoy.org/">Women of Joy </a>conference in Charleston, S.C. - what an incredible weekend! </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 women from church were there with me and we had a great time together - laughing, learning and being challenged. I cannot say enough good things about this conference - it was so much better than I had expected. In fact we loved it so much the 5 of us preregistered for next years conference being held in Myrtle Beach. <i>If you ever have the opportunity to go to one I would highly encourage you to do so!</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is nothing quite like sitting in a room of 3,500 women singing praise songs together, laughing together and wiping away tears together. It was precious.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUsdJtKm0xR2es7ubG7SmUw_2ahStLD6P10pKbZ5tzapf6rvTeWmwqyASQuAETerBI5hkzkQH1-6EVVvozc-89ZIW-kZhFJfRVSM9uJXu5bNp6EyeqM21kuUAvs0YTCuLoeTa/s1600/32094_386660853457_504993457_4066961_5894501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUsdJtKm0xR2es7ubG7SmUw_2ahStLD6P10pKbZ5tzapf6rvTeWmwqyASQuAETerBI5hkzkQH1-6EVVvozc-89ZIW-kZhFJfRVSM9uJXu5bNp6EyeqM21kuUAvs0YTCuLoeTa/s400/32094_386660853457_504993457_4066961_5894501_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At lunch time on Saturday we were sitting at our table and we realized that Steven Curtis Chapman, two of his sons and the other band members were eating RIGHT behind us! (They were in town for concert that evening.) We were a bit more than thrilled and spent a good deal of time trying to figure out how to talk to them without interrupting their meal or drawing lots of attention to them. We finally got them right as they were leaving and 4 of us got a picture with him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent endless amounts of hours listening to him as a teenager - it was really neat to meet him in person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lHeXmtxq3-_w7fC81cs33wXibxQFChjo10hLAFFQ_aqsSs3V3Mtj4oyxlSvXIKJjl_JHqWi_vWLoaa0n_CGMoChBLEk_-UwSpaV2N3IxrxncbaEO7Hx9fd6xp1zmOezhhdfE/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lHeXmtxq3-_w7fC81cs33wXibxQFChjo10hLAFFQ_aqsSs3V3Mtj4oyxlSvXIKJjl_JHqWi_vWLoaa0n_CGMoChBLEk_-UwSpaV2N3IxrxncbaEO7Hx9fd6xp1zmOezhhdfE/s400/boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so thankful that Paul was so gracious to rearrange his entire schedule so that he could stay home with our boys - he put in a lot more hours at work just so I could get away and I really appreciate his sacrifice! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18841589.post-45229989929264185692010-05-12T21:18:00.001-05:002010-05-12T21:20:04.901-05:00The Warrior Diet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkf3cQyaqEgmzni3yRUwbvs5yvxRbFQ-XfzP5t46_lzF0Ki-8QxvQ4jKeOBy_ZDC8g9bNz88Rvg6-6IlyO6f5wnSIm10iFAwiLTA1-BvurI1RZ6fIWP-t0ppTHvzzCYkaDzch/s1600/pushup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkf3cQyaqEgmzni3yRUwbvs5yvxRbFQ-XfzP5t46_lzF0Ki-8QxvQ4jKeOBy_ZDC8g9bNz88Rvg6-6IlyO6f5wnSIm10iFAwiLTA1-BvurI1RZ6fIWP-t0ppTHvzzCYkaDzch/s320/pushup3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to refocus a bit - while this originally started out as an explanation as to <a href="http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-we-drink-green-smoothies-3-times.html">why we drink 3 green smoothies a day</a> it is ultimately my journey of losing the weight I gained with two nearly back to back pregnancies. My diet has played the largest part in losing weight, but working out has also played a significant role. I am going to continue the course I started, which was explaining how we got to where we are today with our diet, but I plan on making this a larger series and expanding it to fitness for moms. Or fitness for anyone. You don't need to be a mom, but it will take having little ones underfoot into account.</div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Note: I did utilize the use of a gym with a nursery but I am currently doing my fitness regime at home so the series will cover workouts for both home and gym.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And also note: I am in no way an expert in physical fitness. But my husband is so it will be pretty good information!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without further ado..</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Start of the Warrior Diet</span></div><br />
With 30 inches of fat off my body I felt incredibly energized but also increasingly aware of the heaviness of my body. 172lbs on my frame is a lot and I was feeling it. <br />
In February I started following an eating plan that Paul has used off an on throughout our married life which is called<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Diet-Ori-Hofmekler/dp/0938045482?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"> The Warrior Diet.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0938045482" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> The Warrior Diet is a book written by Ori Hofmekler and the premise of it is the eating habits of warriors of old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ori Hofmekler was formerly in the special forces and developed the concept for his book through his special forces training. </div><br />
The basic idea of the Warrior Diet goes against all of the commonly accepted diet advice. <br />
It is, simply put, that you overeat once a day in the evening.<br />
Of course it breaks down into something a bit more complex than that and I will share a bit more into the concept below. However<i><b> if you intend to adopt this diet into your own lifestyle I would encourage you to read the book for yourself.</b></i> It is a bit wordy (ok, a lot wordy!!) but there is a lot of important information in there on how to do this right and how to wean yourself on to this diet.<br />
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When I started this plan I jumped right in and did the entire plan from the very beginning, but that isn't necessarily the best way to do it and you want to make sure to not overwhelm yourself by going full force and causing yourself to get discouraged and quit. <br />
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The Warrior Diet encourages overeating at night and under eating during the day. <br />
The under eating stage, which is done throughout the day and should be combined with exercise, triggers what the author refers to as "a primal survival mechanism." This in turn helps "the body cope with stress, burn stored fat as fuel for increased energy demand and improve endurance to better survive."<br />
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In other words; you are burning stored fat and creating more energy.<br />
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During the under eating stage there are limited foods you are able to eat including raw vegetables, fruit and light proteins. <br />
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The overeating stage is the fun part - you can literally eat whatever you want, you just have to follow the order.<br />
The order being salad, cooked vegetables, protein, fat and then carbs. <br />
In the beginning I was able to fit in a lot of carbs and then a bowl of ice cream at the end of the evening, but my body naturally regulated itself and would crave the healthy nutrients and I began eating the junk foods less and less. <br />
I had never been more in tune with my body and it's hunger, full and thirst cues. <br />
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I found it relatively easy to follow the under eating and overeating pattern. I consumed a great amount of raw vegetables throughout the day and within the first 8 weeks lost 12 lbs. I was still working out but due to a several cases of colds and the flu I wasn't at the gym as frequently as I could have been. <br />
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By the beginning of April I was at the most fit stage of my life (note: I didn't say thinnest!) - I was under eating throughout the day and, following the recommended order of eating, would over eat in the evening. I felt fit and had a lot of energy - but I couldn't keep up with eating all the raw vegetables my body was demanding throughout the day. The day I ate through 16 ounces of carrots, 2 cucumbers and numerous amounts of fruit by mid afternoon I knew I had to change something.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Eating all those vegetables was getting tedious! </span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And that is when we got serious about buying a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blendtec-TB-621-20-560-Watt-Total-Blender/dp/B000GIGZXM?ie=UTF8&tag=laisi-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">$400 Blender</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=laisi-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000GIGZXM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">To be continued... </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/349/DEF6B43EC7D087D2CB381A55E6D05C9E.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Jessica Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12152327170331184368noreply@blogger.com1