December 2009
Growing our PURPOSE...
While the article linked below is from close to a year ago, the intentions are more relavalent now that ever. With today being the fifth day of Kwanzaa, the day of Nia, which means PURPOSE, what better day than today to reevaluate our Nia?
Celebrating the New Year with your pocket on a diet
Ok, so it's old news that we are in a recession. As a person that keeps up on the news, I hear that we are in what is called a "Double Dip", which I wish was as sweet as the ice cream, but it means that we are going to have a short reprieve from the recession and will fall back in for a short while. Anticipating this reemergence of tight pockets, here are some great money saving tips for the perfect New Year's par-tay!
It's that time again...
You know what time it is... resolution time! Last night, my husband and I discussed resolutions. More specifically, we disussed his resolutions. Personally, I think that any day is an appropriate time to make a resolution or set a new intention. So, I don't make January resolutions. Regardless, resolution time is upon us, and my husband has selected the ever popular resolution trifecta: eat better, exercise, and lose a few pounds. Oy vey.
Remember, falling short of a resolution does not mean failing. Let's all go easy on oursleves this month, give ourselves the benefit of the doubt, and remember that everyday is an opportunity to do a little bit better.
The following link puts resolutions in perspective:
I'm not one to plug, but...
In my spare time I like to browse recipe sites to get some ideas on Sunday's dinner. With the impending holiday, I have been going into overdrive trying to find something tasty and novel for our Noche Buena dinner.
I was excited to find some dessert recipes such as butternut and apple crisp among others, but what caught my attention most were the featured recipes on allrecipes.com. The featured recipes were provided by companies wishing to push their products and all of their "benefits." Here is where I came across the Roman Meal ad...err, I mean recipe for Whole Grain Asparagus and Red Pepper Strata. Oh-em-gee! It sounds delicious.
Yes, it's winter, but is it really a break?
Inevitably Winter Break will soon be upon us, and many with children fear the daunting idea of trying to find something for them to do. Now with Summer Break, sending the kids outside is a no-fail situation (unless someone gets a boo-boo) but living in Ohio, that doesn't always work in the winter.
Now, because I decided that I kind of like you all, I did some research for you to find some activities that the kids will like and they will learn from (so you will be happy as well). There are plenty activities to do so they are out of your hair for the six or so hours of the day where they would typically be in school.
Zero Soup
I really love this soup; it was one of the recipes I prepared in the week following Thanksgiving when I was feeling kind of yucky.With some toasted whole grain bread, it is really satisfying. It calls for no oil or other fat (that's why it is called zero soup- it has no fat!), but still has great flavor. It comes from one of my favorite cookbooks, Moosewood Restaurant New Classics.
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups diced onions
1 cup diced celery
1 cup peeled and diced carrots
1 cup green beans
1 1/2 cups finely chopped breen cabbage (I sometimes use kale instead)
1 cup diced red bell peppers
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups diced tomatoes in juice (28-ounce can)
2 T. soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
Sleepytime is more than a tea...
As days get shorter and nights get long, this gives us a great opportunity to catch up on Zzzz's during this winter season. Also with it being Christmas season I know that I have an elevated level of stress and need assistance getting to sleep some nights.
These are also some suggestions that may help to get the little ones to bed on Bueno Noche who are waiting to hear the "reinedeer click," (I know that I will be using the oatmeal on my niece)
check out the article here
Forest Kindergarten
These pictures were taken in Saratoga Springs, New York at a Waldorf school. Each day, children spend a minimum of 3 hours a day, engaging in imaginative play, developing their large motor skills, and working on developing their social skills.
The New York Times article is a great read; check it out:
Our First Race!
On Saturday morning, team Local Matters participated in its first race! We had a great time at the 2009 Jingle Bell Run which raised over $141,000.00 for arthritis research.
The group shot (taken with a cell phone camera- a bit grainy) was taken at the Greener Grocer at the North Market. Aren't our antlers great?!
