childrens books

ozzie and i attend a cooperative preschool that both of us love so much for many different reasons but the main is his teacher; she has been teaching at the preschool since 1979 and is the "child whisperer".

cooperative preschools require parent education and at our last parent meeting, she suggested we check out helen lester's books hurty feelings and me first. so like the good student that i am, i promptly reserved both books at the library and i am so glad that i did. helen's stories perfectly blend a lesson with a hilarious and fun read. she often team ups with lynn munsinger whose illustrations are delightful.

after reading the first two, i checked out as many of her books that the library had and we are quickly reading our way through all of them. ozzie was particularly drawn to tacky the peguin, who marches to the beat of his own drum and never follows his friends named goodly, lovely, angel, neatly and perfect. for those of you that know ozzie, you know how fitting this is.

with school coming to an end, if you are in search of some fun summer reading with a cleverly hidden lesson, check out her books. some of our favorites are:

• the wizard, the fairy and the magic chicken
• the revenge of the magic chicken
• wodney wats wobot
• tacky the penguin and all of the tacky books
• it wasn't my fault
• the wolf in sheep's clothing

Words To Live By

I saw this on Pinterest and just love it so much. I know it sounds morbid but this thought is what I'd like to leave behind with my children when I head for the pearly gates.

Source: imgfave.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Nothing Beats A Good Book

on a rainy day in Seattle.

Choices

All the parenting books tell you in order to avoid tantrums and melt downs parents should give their toddler choices. Claiming he is less likely to lose it if he feels involved in the decision.

So last week when Ozzie decided that he didn't want to leave the house to go to our Stroller Strides workout, I remembered this parenting advice and asked him if he would like to pick out a toy to take with him. He immediately perked up, ran to his toy bins to pick something out, then happily followed me out the door.

This has now become a part of our regular routine. Every time we have to leave the house for an errand, Stroller Strides or The Little Gym, I ask Ozzie to pick a toy that he would like to bring with him. So far it has worked like a charm.

Most days I am giggling at his choices. If I could just be inside the head of a toddler my life would be complete; or at least all of this would make sense... maybe.

Some of my favorites so far:

- an over sized beach ball

- the cover to the Austin Powers Goldmember DVD. Not the DVD just the cover.
- one Elmo shoe
- the handset to our old cordless phone
- another shoe that lights up
- and today a football (which he also sleeps with on occasion).

Banh Mi

When ever we are in Seattle, Oscar and I make up any excuse we can to stop by our favorite Asian deli and pick up a couple Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches.

You can imagine my delight when I found a recipe for Banh Mi sandwiches in yup you guessed it, Everyday Food- Great Fast Food. Have I told you this is my new favorite cookbook yet?

Although typical Banh Mi sandwiches are made with pork this version is made with flank steak, but it is a dead ringer to the original.

Vietnamese Banh Mi Sanwhiches
Ingredients:
Serves 4
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon water
2 carrots, grated
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 fresh jalapeno sliced thin (the recipe doesn't call for this but I added it because traditional Banh Mi sandwiches always have jalapeno slices.)
4 hero rolls
1 pound sliced Flank Steak with Lime Marinade (see recipe below)
 
Directions:
1.In a small bowl, stir together garlic, sugar, red-pepper flakes, vinegar, and water.
2.In another bowl, toss together carrots, scallions, and cilantro leaves. Toss with half the vinegar mixture.
3.Split and lightly toast hero rolls; dividing evenly, layer with carrot mixture and sliced flank steak. Drizzle with remaining vinegar mixture, if desired.


Flank Steak with Lime Marinade
Ingredients:
Serves 4
1/3 cup (about 4 limes) freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 scallions (about 1/3 cup), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced, peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds flank steak
Vegetable oil, for grates
Coarse salt and ground black pepper

Directions:
1.In a resealable plastic bag, combine lime juice, soy sauce, scallions, ginger, and red-pepper flakes. Add steak, and seal bag (place in a dish to catch any leaks); marinate in the refrigerator, turning occasionally, up to 1 hour.
2.Heat grill to high; lightly oil grates. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off (discard marinade); season with salt and black pepper. Place on grill; cover. Cook, turning once, until meat reaches desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly.

Serve with Cucmber Radish Slaw on the side- YUM!

Broccoli, Chickpea and Tomato Salad

I have been looking for new ways to make vegetables for dinner. You can only eat steamed broccoli and salads so much before everyone in the family remembers why they hate vegetables. And now that Ozzie is a toddler, it is so important for him to see Mommy and Daddy eating their veggies so he eats them too.

So once again I turned to Everyday Food- Great Fast Food for a new recipe. Oscar and I were thrilled at how delicious this salad was. Ozzie wasn't a fan but I'm sure balsamic vinegar is an acquired taste and a little too mature for a 17 month old. Someday, somehow I will get vegetables in that kid!

Broccoli, Chickpea and Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
Serves 6
1 pound broccoli, separated into florets (4 cups)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar (I didn't have any red-wine vinegar on hand so I substituted balsamic vinegar)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
 
Directions:
1.In a large saucepan with a steamer insert, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes.

2.In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon, vinegar, oil, and onion; season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and broccoli. Toss to coat with dressing. Let cool 5 minutes. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy!

Chicken Stir-Fry Wraps

I am on a wraps kick. I guess it is better than an ice cream kick, eh? Of course my new favorite cookbook, Everyday Food- Great Fast Food, had a recipe for chicken wraps that I had to try.

The chicken wraps are good but I still think the other lettuce wraps from the same cookbook are better. Nevertheless, here is the recipe for Chicken Stir-Fry Wraps. I'll let you be your own judge.

Chicken Stir-Fry Wraps
Ingredients:
Serves 4
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally and thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
12 to 16 Boston lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)

Directions:
1.Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add half the chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until opaque throughout, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

2.Add remaining tablespoon oil to pan, along with the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until onion is tender and golden, about 4 minutes (reduce heat if browning too quickly).

3.Reduce heat to medium; add garlic, ginger, and red-pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.

4.Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch mixture; remove from heat. Add chicken and any accumulated juices; toss to coat. Serve in lettuce cups.
 
Try them both and let me know what you think!

Tostadas Salsa Verde

I tried another recipe from my new favorite cookbook, Everyday Food- Great Fast Food. Once again, I was happily surprised by the ease of the dish and Oscar was happy with the yummy factor. I am bookmarking this one for the summer when it is too hot to cook and tomatoes are in season. Delicious!

Tostadas Salsa Verde
Ingredients:
Serves 4
4 (6-inch) flour tortillas
3 ounces shredded (3/4 cup) pepper Jack cheese
2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded Poached Chicken Breasts
1 cup jarred green salsa, plus more for serving (optional)
1/4 cup chopped plus 2 tablespoons cilantro
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
3 plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange tortillas on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle cheese evenly over tortillas; bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

2.Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss together chicken, salsa, 1/4 cup cilantro, and cumin. Spoon mixture evenly over tortillas; bake until heated through, about 8 minutes.

3.Top with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro. Serve immediately, with additional green salsa, if desired.

Enjoy!

Oh Geez...

Oscar bought me a Kindle for one of my Christmas presents and I love love love it! But there is one problem. My nose is constantly in a book or, er, in a Kindle instead of updating this blog! Sorry! I will make it back to blogging.

I promise pictures of Ozzie's first concert at The Moore Theater, a Christmas update, more recipes and my January sewing project soon. I just have to finish one more chapter.....

Christmas Eve Thoughts

I subscribe to Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter Goop. I have blogged about it before, it is loaded with mommy topics that I find interesting.

This morning Jesus was the focus of her newsletter. Gwyneth asked a few spiritual leaders to answer this question:

“The figure and teachings of Jesus are too often broken down, adapted, and then shaped to fit people’s own particular needs and desires. Who was the real, walking, talking, preaching Jesus and what lessons can we take from him today?”

I particularly liked Michael Berg's response. "Michael is a Kabbalah scholar and author. He is co-Director of The Kabbalah Centre, www.kabbalah.com. You can follow Michael on twitter, twitter.com/inspiringchange. His latest book is What God Meant."

"Almost all spiritual leaders of history are different than what most of us have come to think of them, be it Abraham, Jesus, Mohammad, or Buddha. In the case of Jesus, for instance, it’s known that many cultures have their own version of how he looked. In Africa, for example, he is often portrayed as having African features, whereas in North America he typically has North American features, and so forth. In most cultures his physical visage is made to look like the people of that country.

In truth, his teachings, as with his appearance, are often misunderstood.

To understand Jesus, it is important to understand the environment from which Jesus came. As Alfred Edersheim writes in The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, “The Galileans are said to have inclined towards mystical (Kabbalistic) pursuits. Among such people, and in that country, Jesus spent by far the longest part of his life upon earth.”

Jesus descended from a long line of spiritual teachers. Therefore, the focus of his teachings was not so much on the physical practices of religion but more on the inner spiritual aspects. That is why he rejected rote observance of religion. He felt that in his time many who were practicing religion were coming from a place of just that – practice, not a process of inner change. This wrought all kinds of corruption and negative interpretations of religion, spirituality, and the understanding of God’s purpose for putting man on earth.

When you look at it from this view, one of Jesus’ important messages was don’t get stuck in the ritual. If you are authentic in your spiritual work, then you are constantly growing and improving on the inside. Never practice religion simply as an external action. The purpose of it all is to bring internal change to become a better person.

In line with this, therefore, was his great focus on the teaching of love and compassion. It is impossible for a person to call himself spiritual and yet have anger and animosity towards another human being. The core of spirituality is non-judgmental love.

Unfortunately, some take religious teachings, and even Jesus’ teachings, and use it as a platform for separation, looking down on people, or instilling fear and self-loathing. Clearly, one of his overriding messages was the Old Testament concept of “Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself”. There is nothing a person seeking spirituality can be doing in their lives that leads to anything different than or opposite from this message. Jesus wanted us to understand that religious practice is here to bring us back to this goal.

If this is truly understood, then love and compassion must lead to tolerance. Through his experience as one who went against the status quo, he was both marginalized and persecuted. As a result, he clearly gained a great appreciation for the importance of holding a space for others who have opposing views. He spent his “Light” railing against intolerance and lack of human dignity for those who are different and to those with whom we very much disagree.

What he taught us is that underlying all our spiritual pursuits must be an understanding of human dignity and tolerance for all people. As Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

During this holiday season, we all have so much we can learn from the life and teachings of Jesus. To be religious or spiritual means a constant process of growing and changing, consistently becoming a better and better person, knowing that none of our beliefs can – nor should they – bring us anything but a growing sense of love, compassion, and tolerance for those whom we love, and, more importantly, for those with whom we disagree.

May all these teachings enable us to experience the great Light and power of this holiday season."

I especially liked the bold section. Food for thought on this Chirstmas Eve.

Lettuce Wraps with Hot & Sour Soup

I found the recipe for Vietnamese Pork Rolls (aka lettuce wraps) in the Cookie magazine article, 30 meals in 30 days, months ago but finally got around to trying it a couple of weeks ago. I really wish that I would have tried it sooner because it is absolutely delicious. I think it gives PF Changs' Lettuce Wraps a fun for their money.

The recipe calls for pork but I also made it with ground chicken and it was equally as good. Actually a little better in my opinion because the chicken is lower in fat.

Lettuce Wraps
For the rolls:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 pound ground pork
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
8 sturdy leaves from a head of Bibb lettuce
1 carrot, cut into strips
1 cucumber, cut into strips
2 to 3 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

For the dipping sauce:
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 garlic clove
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons lime juice

1.In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, sauté the garlic in the oil until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
2.Add the pork, five-spice powder, soy sauce, and brown sugar and sautè until the meat is fully cooked and browned.
3.Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by whisking the four ingredients in a bowl.
4.Serve in hand rolls fashioned out of the lettuce leaves. Garnish with the carrots, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro, with the dipping sauce on the side.

I served it with Hot and Sour Soup from Everyday Food's Great Fast Food cookbook; which is quickly becoming my favorite cook book. The recipes that I have tried so far are delicious and really are fast; this is helpful when you are chasing a toddler around while trying to cook.

Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients:
2 cans (14.5 oz) reduced sodium chicken stock
2 T soy sauce
1/4 to 1/2 t red pepper flakes
8 oz fresh shitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps thinly sliced (about 4 c)
3 to 4 T rice vinegar
2 T cornstarch
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 package firm tofu, cut into 1/4" cubes and drained well
2 T finely grated peeled fresh ginger
3 scallions thinly sliced

Directions:
1. In a large (5 quart) pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, red pepper flakes and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 T of the vinegar and he cornstarch. Add to the pot; simmer, stirring until the soup is thickened, about 1 minute.
3. Add the egg through a slotted spoon and stir to form ribbons. Stir in the tofu. Remove from heat; let stand covered for 1 minute. Put the ginger in a small sieve and squeeze to release the juice into the soup (discard the solids). Taste; add remaining T of vinegar if desired. Serve sprinkled with the scallions.

Asian cooking at its best!

Bitten

I know it is an absolutely ridiculous title, Bitten, but it is only fitting since this is an absolutely ridiculous post. It does, however, explain my absence. Once again I've found myself deeply involved in the world of vampires.

Back in October I told you that I was reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels and how my new found love for the southern vampire series was taking up all of my time, forcing me to ignore my blog. Well in a short lull between books, I picked up the Twilight series. I had only heard good things about it from friends so I figured it would pass my time while I waited for the next Sookie book. Boy did I open a can of worms.

Like millions of other fans, I was immediately hooked. Even more hooked than I was with Sookie. Although at the time I hardly thought that possible. After all, isn't Twilight a teenaged romance novel for crying out loud? But isn't that one of the essential elements in every great love story? Young, tormented lovers a la Romeo and Juliet or Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? Yes Twilight has all of the makings of a classic love story full of drama, tragedy and tormented teenaged love. Sigh.

And that is only the beginning. My timing was spot on. Just as I finished the books, I ordered up the first movie, Twilight, via Netflix and promptly watched it twice. Then I forced Oscar to take me to the theater for the second movie, New Moon, that was just released; reminding him that both would make perfect stocking stuffers for his ever so crazy wife.

Sadly I still haven't had my fix. Because I was so engrossed by the story I found myself madly reading and flipping pages like a crazy person. I finished all four books {plus the fifth book online that will never be completed due to a leak} all 2800+ pages in less than a week! Since I am not ready to say goodbye to Bella, Edward {especially Edward}, Jacob and the rest of the Cullens I am starting over. This time I will read slowly and methodically taking it all in now that I know the happy ending.

So please understand if my December posts are few and far between. Like I said- bitten. Laugh if you want but I'll tell you what I told my husband after seeing New Moon. If loving a teenaged vampire is wrong then I don't want to be right.

Chicken Recuerdos de Tucson II

Tonight for dinner I made Chicken Recuerdos de Tucson again. A recipe I got from reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

However, tonight I made a few modifications and wanted to share them to show how versatile soups can be. Add this, omit that and you can have a completely different meal!

Chicken Recuerdos de Tucson- take two
1 lb. chicken drumsticks {the original recipe called for breasts, thighs and legs but I only had drumsticks on hand so I rolled with it}
Olive oil (for sauté)
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Brown chicken in a large kettle. Remove chicken, add oil, gently sauté the onion and garlic.
1 tsp cumin seed
2 orange bell peppers
1 large or 2 medium zucchini or other squash, thickly sliced
Add to kettle and sauté, add small amount of broth if necessary.
1 cup tomatoes (fresh, frozen, canned, or ½ cup dehydrated, depending on season)
1 28 oz can white hominy
2 tsp. oregano
2 cups chicken broth or water
Add to kettle along with browned chicken, add water or broth (more if using dried vegetables), cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until chicken is done to bone.

The cliffnotes
1. I used drumsticks instead of a breasts, thighs and legs. I only had drumsticks available.
2. I omited the green chilies so the soup was not spicy at all.
3. I replaced 2 cups of corn with 1 28 oz. can of white hominy.
4. I omited the basil since I did not have any available.
5. I used 2 orange bell peppers instead of 2 red or green. Not a huge difference here in taste but the orange peppers at the store looked a lot better than the green or red.

The hominy made the soup much hardier than the original version. Although Barbara Kingsolver, the author of AVM, would probably object since the basis of her book is about eating local foods. The hominy was definitely not local. Hey I'm doing what I can but I am no purist. Besides she made the year long vow, not I.

Also, by omiting the green chilies the soup was not spicy at all. Which was great because I could feed it to Ozzie. The other changes were minimal and made little to no difference in taste but they were modifications from the original recipe so I felt it necessary to note them.

Enjoy!

Where am I?

Oh friends, I know I've been ignoring my blog lately but I've been so busy raising a toddler first and foremost. Man those little ones can wear you out! By the time he goes down for the night, the husband and I are ready to hit the sack ourselves! Jumping on to the lap top and staring at a bright screen just doesn't seem like my way of relaxing these days.

Secondly, I blame the cold weather. I just want to curl up and read a book when I get a few minutes to myself before hitting the sack. Especially since I am currently reading the Sookie Stackhouse series. So fitting to be reading and loving a vampire series during the month of October huh? That Charlaine Harris sure does know her southern vampires.

If you knew me well friends you'd know I love books and movies about southerners. Something about their quirky ways appeals to me. Steel Magnolias is on my top 5 favorite movie list (the one liners alone are worth watching it) and To Kill a Mockingbird is my all time favorite book. I read it in the 7th grade and have loved it ever since. I guess that was my first introduction to those crazy southerners. I heart Atticus Finch!

So please excuse me for not blogging a lot this month, I must get through my latest obsession, Ms. Sookie Stackhouse, and then I'll find time for my other obsessions while not chasing around a very active 15 month old boy. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day.

p.s. Don't forget to check out these books for a fun read on a cold fall/winter night!

No Cook Pasta

On Saturday evenings Oscar and I try to listen to one of our favorite radio shows, In the Kitchen with Tom & Thierry, as often as we can. In the Kitchen is a great cooking show hosted by two famous Seattle chefs, Tom Douglas and Thierry Rautureau.

A few weekends ago Tom & Thierry paid tribute to the author of the Silver Palate cookbook, Shiela Lukin, after she passed away from brain cancer. Both Tom & Thierry talked about their appreciation for her cookbook since it is filled with many "go to" recipes. They also agreed that the book can truly help a new cook get acquainted with gourmet cooking.

Both Tom & Thierry, as well as several of their listeners, went on and on about her Summer Pasta recipe, also known as the No Cook Pasta recipe. Of course, after listening to all of them rave about this pasta, I had to try it for myself.

I was happy to use some of the last of my tomatoes from my own garden. I can see why it's called a summer pasta, this dish just would not be the same with out of season tomatoes and basil. It was really good and so so easy. A great recipe for a small dinner party because it allows you to spend time with your company instead of in the kitchen. My only suggestion is not to use a full cup of olive oil. It was pretty oily once the brie melted. I am thinking 3/4 of a cup would be just fine.

Silver Palate Summer "No Cook" Pasta

4 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 pound Brie cheese, rind removed, torn into irregular pieces

1 cup cleaned fresh basil leaves, cut into strips

3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced

1 cup best quality olive oil

Salt to taste

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds linguine

Directions

Combine tomatoes, brie, basil, garlic, 1 cup olive oil, salt and pepper in a large serving bowl.

Prepare at least 2 hours before serving and set aside, covered, at room temperature

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the linguine and boil until al dente, about 10 minutes.

Drain pasta and immediately toss with the tomato sauce. Serve immediately.

Another variation is marinate the tomatoes in lemon juice, sliced green onions, a dash of white wine and substitute fresh mozzarella for the brie. I definitely want to try this version but may have to wait a whole year from tomato season.

Perfect with a tall glass of white wine on a hot summer evening. I am glad I got it in on the last day of summer!

Goop

I'm usually a day late and a dollar short on these things so if you have already heard of Goop by Gweneth Paltrow move along nothing left to read here. But if you haven't heard of it {don't feel bad I just found it literally 5 minutes ago} Goop is a website with articles and newsletters written by Gweneth. Her subjects span from travel to motherhood, fashion to cooking and everything else in between that most moms find interesting.

Normally I wouldn't be interested in a celebrity website. I gave up following celebrity gossip years ago and life has been much more peaceful since. In fact, I still remember the night at our local dive bar where my friends told me that Brad and Jen were breaking up. Admittedly I did buy the magazine where Jen spilled her beans but that's the last time I got sucked back in. Sadly I don't have to watch those crazy Hollywood shows to know what's happening, these days celebs make the national news shows.

But I digress. Like I said normally I wouldn't be interested but after looking through her site I am intrigued. Naturally her posts on food, books and child friendly restaurants had me hooked since I, as most moms do, love these topics. But I also really liked the simplicity of the her website. In the days of pop ups, unnecessary background music and blinking/scrolling text, it's nice to visit a clean and simple site.

Goop also offers newsletters via email if you don't have an extra 10 minutes in your day to check out the website. Let's face it, some days I don't have an extra 10 minutes to brush my teeth so I appreciate the email option. I may already be hooked.

Thriftbooks

I just saw this site on Stephmodo and wanted to share. If you love reading but are looking for ways to cut spending during this recession {as I am} check out Thriftbooks. Based right here in Washington state, Thriftbooks is an online used book retailer. Pretty great huh? I figure because I'm buying it online I'm saving even more money than going to a used book store because I don't have to drive anywhere. Plus who doesn't love shopping online?

My favorite site feature, their books on sale for a penny. Hundreds of books for one penny- can't beat that. This is especially great for my little guy since his books get pretty used within minutes anyway.

Off to browse their penny books...

Grow Garden Grow

As I've said before I was truly inspired after reading Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. So inspired that I decided to plant an organic herb and vegetable garden on Mother's Day. It was a small gift to myself in my quest to become a domestic goddess. I have never grown a garden before, don't have much of a green thumb as I've killed all my houseplants {God bless them} and I didn't do my usual preproject research {slight type A personality} so I have been really curious to see what would happen.

Drum roll please...

The garden freshly planted on Mother's Day

The garden today and this picture is after I harvested some spinach and removed bad leaves. My tomato plants, lettuce and spinach are basically taking over!

Remember my little heirloom lettuce I was so excited about?

She's not so little anymore! And strangely enough not so red though you can see a few read leaves in the middle.

Our 2nd harvest from our garden- spinach, cilantro and parsley. Cilantro was our 1st harvest last week. My husband is Hispanic- go figure our 1st harvest would be cilantro!

It's a pretty awesome feeling to cook vegetables grown from your own garden. I didn't know I would enjoy gardening so much. I already know what vegetables and herbs I want to add or omit next year. I can't wait until Ozzie gets old enough to play in the garden with me!

Animal Vegetable Miracle

I just finished the book Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. I first heard about it from Colleen at Over Cocktails but since then ran into it and the slow food movement everywhere so I decided to check it out. I am so glad I did, it is life changing. Truly.

The book is a memoir of their move from Tucson to a farm her husband, Stephen Hopp, owned prior to their marriage in Southern Appalachia; and their vow to eat food either grown by themselves or bought from their neighborhood. Their two main goals were to eat food that's not only better for them but better for the environment.

Filled with incredible facts about the amount of energy consumed by the production, packaging and shipping of food all over the world as well as the benefits (for both the farmers and ourselves) of eating organic and locally grown foods it's hard not to rethink your own food life. Their description of what occurs inside a concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) is hard to swallow- literally. Let's just say I'm even more terrified of mad cow disease now than I was a month ago.

Here is an excerpt from one of Stephen's sidebars in the book, both he and their daughter Camille added to the book. This was probably one of the more eye opening facts for me.

"Each food item in a typical U.S. meal has traveled an average of 1500 miles. In addition to direct transport, other fuel-thirsty steps include processing (drying, milling, cutting, sorting, baking), packaging, warehousing and refrigeration. Energy calories consumed by production, packaging and shipping far outweigh the energy calories we receive from the food.

A quick way to improve food-related fuel economy would be to buy a quart of motor oil and drink it. More palatable options are available. If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country’s oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That’s not gallons, but barrels. Small changes in buying habits can make big differences. Becoming a less energy-dependent nation may just need to start with a good breakfast."

Barbara does a great job of educating her readers on the season's harvest. Here is her Vegetannual, an illustrated calendar of seasonal fruits and vegetables. A calendar to live by.



A hip new term deemed for this movement is "locavore" or one who tries to eat only locally grown foods. After reading this book I really want to incorporate more local and organic foods into my family's diet. Not only for our health and the health of our planet but especially to help support local farmers. The information she shares about the lobbyist of major food corporations is simply disheartening. It's no wonder so many Americans don't trust government. If only every American family could make this vow, what difference we could make.

The book is non-fiction but truly reads like a novel and is even funny. Her turkey mating debacle is hilarious. I know I've shared some saddening statistics but most of the book is fun and truly inspiring. I think she has inspired every reader to make their own mozzarella, bake their own bread, grow a vegetable garden and support local farmers. It's not just the eat organic mantra so many health food experts repeat like puppets. The book and website are is also filled with many great recipes.

She has definitely inspired my goals:

• Support local farmers and shop at farmers markets. 'Tis the season!
• Buy produce that is in season and learn how to can or freeze for the winter.
• Make her 30 minute mozzarella.
• Bake my own homemade bread. I think my parents may have an old bread machine in storage somewhere.
• Eat organic and avoid meats from CAFOs
• Grow a backyard vegetable and herb garden. I really want to do this one!!

If you want to become a locavore or check out this movement, make sure to visit AnimalVegetableMiracle.com or Cook Local is another great site. Also go to Local Harvest to find local farmers and CSA programs.

I highly recommend the read, like I said it is life changing.

*pictures courtesy of AnimalVegetableMiracle.com

Oh the Joys of Motherhood

Have you heard about the new book It Sucked and Then I Cried: How I Had a Baby, a Breakdown, and a Much Needed Margarita by Heather Armstrong? Heather Armstrong also writes the popular blog - Dooce. Which is quite hilarious by the way- her about me section is a must read!

But back to her book- here is what "they" are saying about it.

"Heather tells, with trademark wit, the heartfelt, unrelentingly honest story of her battle with postpartum depression and all the other minor details of pregnancy and motherhood that no one cares to mention. Like how boring it can be to care for someone whose primary means of communication is through her bowels. And how long it can possibly take to reconvene the procedure that got you into this whole parenthood mess in the first place. And how you sometimes think you can't possibly go five more minutes without breathing in that utterly irresistible and totally redeemable fresh baby smell.

It Sucked and Then I Cried is a brave cautionary tale about crossing over that invisible line to the other side (the parenting side), where everything changes and it only gets worse. But most of all, it's a celebration of a love so big it can break your heart into a million pieces."

I haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet but I know I will love this book. I joke that no one tells you how boring, exhausting and thankless motherhood is. You know the saying, there is a truth to every joke- so true, so true.

Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother but I there are days when I don't love it so much. Surviving Ozzie's colic, feeding issues and sleep issues (still not solved, improved but not solved) make more not so much days than I wish to admit.

Let's face it motherhood deprives me of many things I used to love (sleep or lack there of it being the ultimate sacrifice) and sometimes I resent it. And just when I feel I am at my wits end Ozzie does something amazing that reminds me how blessed I am to be his mother.

This little creature thinks I'm the best thing on earth and his smile melts my heart instantly.

For every moment that I want to rip out my hair (or *dare I say it* Ozzie's hair sometimes) I also have moments of a love so deep it's indescribable. The dichotomy of loving and resenting motherhood simultaneously is an interesting experience. One I never knew I'd have. Do fathers feel this way too I wonder?

Motherhood- who knew? And why doesn't anyone tell us before we have children?