Starting sourdough..starter

A lifelong California girl, my family and I have made our home in the Appalachian mountains, WV, for the last two and a half years. To say it was a culture shock is putting it midly. My life was turned on its head. I will go into more detail in future posts but the farmlife just wasn't something I naturally fell into. It took two years before I was officially ready to try my hand at all things homesteading. In my mind, I was ready for a new adventure, a fresh start in a place where the mountains were plenty and the leaves changed in the fall. I wanted the chickens, the garden, the fishing and yet...nothing could prepare me for the amount of work this actually required. After trying my hand at owning a restaurant, becoming a working mama and finally settling into a routing as a stay home mom, I found myself with more time on my hands...time to think, to pray, and to really hone in on what life here looked like- to me. It started with a few things- chickens were first. For some reason, rasing chicks and building a coop, collecting eggs every morning and awakening to the sound of a rooster cockle-doodle-doo-ing, just felt like country life. And so it began. With trial and error, purchasing chicks, hatching our own and butchering a few naughty roosters along the way, we figured it out. Now with our flock of eleven hens, we enjoy fresh eggs daily for our and our neighbor's use. But I wanted more. I realized that the Bible gives SO much insight as to what a Godly and PLENTIFUL life looks like! And it doesn't look like relying on the grocery store for every single thing. Especially when we have the tools at our fingertips for so much more. Abudnant living! Could I do it? Could I plant a garden and harvest vegetables when I could barely keep a houseplant alive? Could I learn to can? To preserve freshly hunted deer meat? Could I EAT DEER MEAT?? I put myself to a little test. This is where the elusive sourdough enters the stage. Sourdough has always been something I've enjoyed eating and I really, really wanted to try my hand at it. So after several attempts, a moldy starter, an inactive starter and many, many articles and recipes later, I decided to try again. I mean, what else was I doing?? So it began. If you think sourdough is too fussy, starters are too confusing and scientific, then stick with me because sister, I FEEL YOU. I began to understand sourdough at its most basic level and if I can make a beautiful loaf of homemade bread, anyone can. While I have a stubborn streak and am typically pretty committed to things once I start, I can also be verrrrrry impatient and breadmaking is not for the impatient. It's for the woman who can sit at the table and journal with a nice, hot cup of tea and look out the window reflecting on life, allowing starter to bubble, dough to rise, and bread to bake. But move over, girl, because THIS woman drinks high octane coffee, cannot wait for yeast to bloom, starter to start or dough to rise! It's been a (VERY GOOD) practice in patience. What I've discovered is that you don't have to sit idle for hours to make sourdough bread. You can do it step by step, in between your other tasks of the day. And you don't have to be a stay home mom or have lots of extra time to do it, either. You can most certainly make bread and even homestead for that matter, with the time that you do have. I'll make more posts like that in the future, about bite-sized homemaking tasks but for today, I want to encourage you that sourdough isn't as hard as it's cracked up to be! To get started...what IS starter?!? Starter is what you are going to use in place of a traditional yeast, used to make bread rise. Starter is a combination of flour and water that is allowed to sit out, collecting natural occuring bacteria in the environment that will cause fermentation and rising. I began my starter in a clean, glass canning jar. I used approximately 1/8 cup regular white flour and 1/8 cup whole wheat flour. Through trial and error, I've found that the whole wheat flour seems to bubble and work more quickly than just white flour but it's totally up to you. Plus, I bake a lot with whole wheat flour, so it makes sense for me to do it this way. But because whole wheat flour can be more dense, I use a half and half ratio. To that I added 3 tablespoons filtered, room temperature water. Now, I do that same thing every day. I do not "discard" any. I simply allowed the starter to work away on my counter and after about three days I started using it. Here's the thing- most people "discard" some of their starter simply because they want to avoid having a huge mass of starter at the beginning that is not ready to be used, but I've found that because it becomes active fairly quickly, a cup or two of starter is not "too much" to use up. So..what is discard? Most people will refer to "discard" as the starter you remove and throw out before feeding your starter with flour and water each day to allow for a smaller amount leftover that needs to be fed but I've never done this. The term discard, to me, is just confusing but because it's used so much in the sourdough community, I felt like I should explain. (If this is still confusing, let me know in the comments or read on. I'll try to break it down even further..) To sum it up, if you begin with a small enough amount of starter, use it to bake items 2-3 times a week, then this ratio will work for you. I bake 2-3 loaves of bread per week for my family of five, use the starter along with yeast sometimes or baking powder or soda (to make things like english muffins that don't need as much rise, or things like cinnamon rolls which need a GOOD, BIG rise!) If you have a bigger or smaller family, adjust accordingly. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is try and try again until you get it right! Everyone's environment is so different that there is not a one-size-fits-all recipe to give here but once you get the basic idea, then you can play with it until it works for you. So back to my method- each day I "feed" my starter by adding 1/4 cup flour (half wheat, half white) and 3 tablespoons water to my starter, stir it up well then cover the top with a tea towel and keep that on with the canning jar ring. If I am going to bake, then I pour out about 1/2 cup for my recipe before feeding my starter. Then for my recipe, I mix up the dough until it comes together and allow to sit for about 2 hours before going back to knead it, shape it and cover again for several more hours, or until the dough doubles in size. This will take a while. Because sourdough is slowly fermenting, it will take significantly longer to rise than traditional store bought yeast. You will NOT be able to bake a loaf of sourdough without planning ahead so remember that. But the longer the dough rises, the deeper that sourdough taste will be. It's worth the wait! I usually feed my starter first thing in the morning (say, 7am..) placing about 1/2 cup aside in a bowl for bread. Here is my recipe* and time frame for bread:
1/2 cup starter 2-2 1/2 cups flour 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil *All of this is approximate. You have to play with your recipe to see what works best depending on your geographic location, climate, humidity, personal preference...etc. Mix everything together then cover with tea towel (approximately 7am) 2 hours to allow dough to relax and come to room temp. Then go back, (9am) dump dough on floured surface, knead, shape, and place in baking dish. Cover with tea towel until dough has doubled in size (approximately 4-6 hours, now it's 3pm) The dough can sit for longer if needed as sourdough is much heartier than traditional yeasted dough so you don't have to worry too much about dough overproofing (expanding to completion, then deflating and ruining the dough..) but if you change your mind or do not want to bake that day, it will keep in the fridge just fine. Bake at 350 degrees until bread is 195-200 degrees internally (I swear by a food thermometer!) I usually bake the bread right around 3 so my kids can have a warm slice right as they walk in from school or right before dinner but again, once you get the timing down, you will be able to plan for your bread needs accordingly. Now, if you notice you are not using your starter frequently enough, it's getting unmanagable, you don't want to feed it every day, or you're going to be out of town, then store it in the fridge. This will slow the fermentation process and the starter will not need feeding daily. I haven't tried this yet but it's what I've heard. Also, be aware that if your starter gets a liquid on top, has a smell of alcohol, is moldy, or just looks or smells "off", then throw it out and start again. It's not worth getting sick over! Also, I transfer my starter to a new jar every week or so, just to keep things nice and clean. A healthy starter will have tiny bubbles on the surface, will have a "pancake batter"-like consistency, and have a nice, beer-ish smell. So...that's it! LOL! I hope this has helped to demystify sourdough and gives you the motivaion to try it yourself. There really is a deep sense of satisfaction the first time you pull a homemade loaf of beautifully risen, healthy, delicious sourdough bread out of the oven. Good luck!

Moving Tips!

A couple of months ago, my family and I moved cross-country with our three kids. 2300 miles in the car over about five days made for some interesting moments...and memories! We got to see parts of the country that we wouldn't have otherwise. Starting off in Ca and ending up in WV, we are now full of tips and tricks on how to stay sane and happy while traveling. Here are a few things I learned along the way! - Keep expectations low! From the food, to the attitudes of your kids to the conditions of the weather, keep it all in perspective. You may not have the most beautiful instagram worthy pictures in the end and you may not have been able to try that amazing diner you hoped to, but if you all make it in one piece, let THAT be the goal! - Have plenty for the kids to do. My kids range from 3-14 so they have very different needs. But pack that bag of tricks! From books and devices, to coloring and craft supplies, keep your supplies handy! Nothing ruins a road trip faster than a whiny baby or teenager! - Plan for naps- or quiet time. Every hour or so, encourage your kids to rest their eyes and maybe even take a quick snooze. Again, cranky and tired kids make for a miserable trip. - Snacks! Be sure to have plenty of snacks, some healthy and some just for fun. You never know when you'll be able to stop next so have several options and lots of bottles of water! - Potty breaks! Whether kids say they have to go or not, MAKE THEM TRY! Nothing is worse than pulling out of a rest stop or gas break only to have kids announce that they have to pee ten minutes later! And because you'll never know the condition of bathrooms on the road, keep plenty of paper towels and sanitizing wipes in the car. I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy your time on the road. Remember, there WILL be unexpected issues and you'll have a few messes on the way, but the memories you make will far outweight the negative. Happy trails!

Is Breast Really Best??

My son is going on three years old and still attached at the...mammary gland. He loves nursing. Loves it. At about two years, I was thinking he "should" stop, "should" wean, and "should not" be so attached. But then..why? I mean, what's wrong with him still wanting my milk? We adults still drink milk so why wouldn't he still want milk? Aside from social norms, why would he need to stop? And so this journey of gentle weaning has begun. I want to sleep better and so he must sleep better for that to happen so for that reason, I've weaned him off the nightime feedings. But aside from that, I've decided there's just no good reason to stop until he's ready. My breastmilk has literally grown his brain, his bones, his BODY from his infancy and I just can't see how it can hurt. So what do you think? Have you felt pressure from society?? Let me know your thoughts!

Homeschool!

Today I began my homeschooling journey and while it is a scary ride, I'm excited that God has granted me the opportunity and freedom to educate my children the way my hubby and I feel is best! There are many reasons one might choose homeschooling and for mu husband and me, the list looks like this: - More control over our schedule. My hubby can teach the kiddos on his day off and share the burden with me. - Less driving back and forth for drop off and pick up. We also have a toddler so this one is tough! - More flexibility in what we teach. - Ability to pray, have bible time, and teach our kids what God's word says about the world. - Less exposure to bad influences. Look, teachers with thirty kids just can't monitor what kids are doing, saying, seeing...period. So with all that being said, we jumped in today, all the way into the deep end! I'm getting organized and planning the year as we go and honestly, I'm so excited! I never thought I would say that since I'm a mama who needs peace and quiet, time to myself and love to work on my blog, YouTube channel, and food business but all that will have to be worked in. My kids are the most important job I have and I want to do the best I can with the resources God has given us. Pray for me and feel free to ask questions if you are on the homeschool path yourself! Also, I can use all the tips I can get :)

Holiday (or anytime) Treats!

Here are a few recipes I wanted to share that you can enjoy all year long but that are especially fun to make and share during the holidays! Chocolate Fudge 3 cups sugar 1 1/2 sticks butter 2 tablespoons vanilla 1 1/2 bags (12 oz.) chocolate chips 7 oz. marshmallow fluff nuts or other toppings, if desired Line a 9x13 pan (or 8x8 if thicker fudge is desired..) with wax paper. Melt the sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until boiling. Allow to boil 4 min then take off heat. Stir in marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips. Mix well then pour into pan. Top with desired toppings then allow to cool at least 4 hours. Enjoy!

Peanut butter brownies 1 box fudge brownie mix 2 eggs 3 tablespoons coffee 1/2 cup oil 4 peanut butter cups, chopped 1/4 cup peanut butter Heat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients, except peanut butter and pour into greased loaf pan. Swirl peanut butter into top of batter. Bake 45 minutes or until set. Frost or dust with powdered sugar.

All Things Discipline

How do you know when discipline is too much or too harsh?? Well, God's word is an excellent source of wisdom and encouragement when it comes to this topic. The bible has many verses that speak of discipline, spanking and the relationship between children and parents. I believe that if you follow God's word, interpreted correctly, you will never fail. We are all doing our best on this road to parenthood and through prayer, support from your spouse and devotion to raising your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, you will find the road less traveled may be the road to success! Here are a few verses that I rely on to strengthen my resolve when the going gets tough, I feel lazy or I simply don't feel like adulting lol! "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him." Proverbs 21:15 "Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell" Proverbs 23:13-14 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4 I hope you are having a great day with your children today and find joy in the responsibilities of parenthood. Some days are easier than others, but they are all a gift from God!

Breast Is BEST!

As the challenges of weaning my two year old lie ahead, I am compelled to encourage you not to give up if you are frustrated with nursing or weaning...or both. Hang in there and remember that breast really is best. No formula or other source of milk can compare to mommy. Breast milk changes as baby grows and changes depending on circumstances, too. Did you know that if your baby is sick, your breastmilk will change to accomodate your baby? It's amazing and while it can be a hassle, breastfeeding is free, readily available, is always at the perfect temperature and provides a host of health benefits including weight management, allergy prevention and creates bonding. Let me know if you have any questions. I've nursed two babies and am working on weaning my third so I'd say I've been there! I get all the frustrations that come with feeding your baby!

Stock up on Savings

Hi Guys! Just wanted to check in and give you some tips on how to save on groceries! You don't need to be the crazy coupon lady to save! - First of all, be flexible! If you had your heart set on chicken parmesan but ground beef is on sale, then make meatballs instead. If you are too stuck to your list, then you won't be open minded and alert to savings. - Second, stock up on sales! Meat, dairy and a lot of vegetables freeze well so when you can, stock up and freeze. For non-perishables like cereal, baking goods and snacks, designate a shelf or closet for "overflow". Yes, you will spend more up front, but you'll be stocked! - Third, purchase toiletries and sundries from dollar stores. Napkins, foil, kitchen tools and more are almost always cheaper at dollar stores. Make sure you ALWAYS check the price per ounce, though, to make sure you get the best deal! - Lastly, take advantage of store coupons and online deals! Sign up for the email alerts and rack up points when applicable. I hope this helps and I hope you find ways to make your dollar stretch!

Summer Survival Guide

Do you dread summers at home with kids under foot all day? Well, I'm here to make the (looooong) days more managable with a few (realistic!) tips to get you through! 1) Set a schedule and stick to it. Kids (most people, actally..) do better when they know what to expect and get used to a routine. It's best to teach kids now so they can learn to be on time for things, awaken on their own and plan activities for themselves. 2) Give them chores! Speaking of being responsible, kids really need to pitch in around the house, outside, in the community...etc. It's so important to not only teach them to be responsible, but to teach them life skills. 3) Get out once in a while! Take kiddos on a drive, have a picnic, go visit a friend, bake and deliver cookies to a neighbor, take a long walk...just get out and get moving! 4) Find some time for YOU! Have the kids rest in the afternoons or go to bed early or sleep in (even if they just rest or read...) so that you can have quiet alone time to read, bathe, sit on the couch and watch tv...whatever! Just plan it and do it. You need to come first. 5) Stop giving kids so many options. YOU are in charge so YOU decide what's for lunch, what movie will be watched, what is for dessert..etc. A big part of the mommy mental drain is too many cooks helping with the soup! Ya dig? So make decisions and stick to them. If little Johnny wants pizza not PB&J, too bad. What mommy says, goes. I hope these tips help and really, the only way they will is if you ditch the dreaded mommy guilt and move on. Your kids will be fine. In fact, they will be better for it and so will you!

Survival Mode

 Is it okay to say I hate this??? I hate being a mom. I hate having my kids home with me 24/7. I hate the demands. I hate the whining. I hate no sleep. I hate it. Hate. Hate. Hate. I feel like I am stuck on a hamster wheel with no end in sight. I don’t sleep well at night because my one year old wants to nurse. All night. I awaken in the morning and he’s still there, right next to me. I slowly make my way out of my bedroom and encounter my ten year old who needs a little direction. And a hug. And a bagel. But I haven’t even started coffee. 

Meanwhile, my thirteen year old slowly ambles out of the room, bed head in full force and wants to describe to me, in full detail, a dream she had. Still, coffee is yet to perk. I tell my kids to get moving as I desperately locate the coffee from the pantry. In the ten seconds I have my back turned, my one year old has managed to scale the counters and is now standing on them, emptying the cookie tin that was left there, a little treat I had saved for later, maybe when the coffee was ready and he was napping. But no, the cookies are now crumbled, emptied all over the counter, adding yet another chore to my already full day. Feeling the urge to snap, I quickly grab my son off the counter, yell to my daughter to help me clean the mess and glance at the clock. 7:10. Fifty more minutes and the two older ones will be in “class” and by class I mean the room that doubles as my son’s bedroom and their classroom for distance learning. The distance is only about three feet from me, however and does not “distance” them from re-entering for a snack. Or a bathroom break. Or to tell me something funny their friend said. And still, no coffee. 

I take a breath. Read scripture with my big kids while trying to ignore the baby pulling my shirt down for milk (again!) and keep his screams (relatively) quiet so my husband, who works nights, can sleep as uninterrupted by our daily noise as possible. If I sound like a spoiled stay home mom, forgive me. I just want sleep. I want a cup of coffee in peace. I want the big kids to get along and go back to school. I want my life back. I want to work out without the baby demanding “up” fifty times. I want to shower alone, without having to bribe a big kid to watch the baby so he doesn’t play in the toilet while I wash my hair. Speaking of, I can’t remember when I last DID wash my hair. I want to get dressed in real clothes. Not sweats, not a hoodie and leggings. A real outfit. I want to do my hair and make up and go somewhere other than the grocery store. 

This season is HARD. Harder than any other season of life I’ve experienced. It’s draining. It’s depressing. It’s unfair. Most days I have to navigate between the lesser of two evils: talk to a friend on the phone for a few minutes for my mental health’s sake and chance that the baby draws all over the couch or forego those precious minutes of connection for a couch that remains marker free. Do I cuddle in bed with my hubby while he regails me with the stories of last night’s shift if it means that the big kids fight and the baby eats an eraser?? Tell me, what would you pick? These days, I’m just surviving. I’m sure you are too. It’s not easy. It’s anything but. I’ve fantasized about just driving away for a couple hours, hiring a nanny, leaving my sleep deprived husband with the load so I can jog or take a long bath. I’ve pictured forking over the money to put my big kids in private school just to get a break. But then, reality sets in. My grown-up self takes over and I calm the eff down. I remember that this, too, shall pass. It’s only a season. My baby will eventually stop eating everything in sight. He will sleep through the night eventually and I will wean him one of these days. The big kids will get bigger, need me less, stop asking for hugs. One day, I’m sure I WILL miss it. I just can’t see it right now. But I’m trying. I’m trying to be patient, yell less and pray more. I’m trying to be an example of a strong woman, the Proverbs 31 woman that I know I am called to be. I want to press the shirts, fold the laundry with joy, make the lunches happily. I want to relish the good and lose sight of the bad. And yet...

I hope you all are hanging in there while your kids “distance learn” in the living room. Or the kitchen table. I hope you still laugh, still find time for you and still find hope in what feels like such darkness. This too, will pass. The tide will change. Soon us young mamas will have wrinkles, those grey hairs will begin to show and we’ll long for a time when our babies needed us, when we cut the crusts off the sandwiches and wiped runny noses. We’ll miss the sound of those little chubby baby feet running down the hall. We will. I’m sure of it. 

Truffle Time!

Truffles are one of my all time favorite desserts to make (and eat!) and no, I don’t mean the gourmet truffles made with heavy whipping cream, liqueurs and other fancy ingredients like that. I’m talking about quick, easy, three or four ingredient truffles that can be made and adapted for any occasion! They are a breeze to make, freeze beautifully and make for an adorable gift! This year, I’m making these truffles as my Christmas gift to my family and neighbors. 

I decided to make two flavors: cookies and cream and peanut butter (plus a vegan version for my sister!) Here are the recipes for all three!

Cookies and cream:

1 package double stuff Oreos, crushed (any chocolate sandwich cookie will work!)

1 package cream cheese, softened 

1 package candy melts (you decide what color and flavor—I used white chocolate)

Sprinkles to decorate (Or use some cookie crumbs)

Mix cookies and cream cheese well. Roll into balls and refrigerate for at least twenty minutes. Melt the candies in the microwave at thirty second intervals until smooth. Dip the cookie balls and decorate quickly, before the candle melts set.

Peanut butter:

1 cup peanut butter 

4 cups powdered sugar

2 sticks butter, softened 

1 cup graham cracker crumbs 

1 package candy melts (again, you decide the color and flavor! I chose chocolate)

Vegan peanut butter:

1 stick plant butter, (I used Country Crock plant butter with avocado oil) melted

1/2 cup vegan graham cracker crumbs (I used pre-crushed boxed crumbs without and dairy or honey, thus making them vegan)

1/2 cup peanut butter 

2 cups powdered sugar 

1 bag dark chocolate chips

For both the vegan and non-vegan version, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and butter (or plant butter!) and mix until well combined. Refrigerate for at least twenty minutes (You can do overnight if you aren’t going to dip them right away..) then pull them out and dip into either the candy melts or dark chocolate, for the vegan version. Melt both the candy melts and the chocolate chips at 15-30 second intervals until totally smooth. Top the melts with sprinkles or as I did, a little of the graham cracker crumbs, quickly because the melts set very fast! You’ll have more time with real chocolate. The chocolate will need to sit out and set much longer or will set in the refrigerator after about twenty minutes. Enjoy!

Boxed Mix Cake!

 Recently, my husband was given a promotion at work and so of course I thought, what better way to celebrate than with a yummy dessert??? And so, his celebratory chocolate-coffee cake was born. I love sweets and desserts and so all I need is an excuse to make one! Here is what I did!

Ingredients:

1 boxed chocolate cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Devil’s Food)

1 cup plus 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cold

1/2 cup oil

2 eggs

1 cup whipped topping

1/2 cup sour cream

1 can chocolate frosting (I used Betty Crocker “chocolate” kind)

Cocoa powder, powdered sugar or other decor, as desired

Mix together cake mix, 1 cup coffee, 1/2 cup oil and the eggs. Bake in two round cake pans at 350 degrees for about twenty minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. While cake is baking, stir together the whipped topping and sour cream. I added a pinch of “Mexican cocoa” powder (a combination of cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla) to the mix and kept it refrigerated until I was ready to use it. Allow cakes to cool then poke holes over the top of both cakes and top with the reserved coffee. Next, assemble cake by using half the whipped topping filling to sandwich the cakes together (the other half will be used for garnish). Then ice with the chocolate icing, top with swirls of remaining whipped topping mixture and decorate as desired! Mine turned out beautifully, I’m sure yours will too!!!!

Early Potty Training

 I have made several videos regarding early potty training so check those out on Youtube. For now, you can read up on a few tips if you want to try it yourself! 

- First of all, be realistic and don’t set the bar too high. Early potty training, in my opinion, is potty training your child anywhere below the age of 18 months. After that, children tend to develop an aversion to potty training and that’s when the bribing, candy, sticker charts and, frankly, desperation kicks in! Before that age, you have a window of time where you can basically teach your baby the habit of going to the bathroom on the toilet, versus the diaper. But be careful not to be too hard on your child or yourself when (not if!) they have accidents. I have three children and started them all potty training around six months.

- Prepare for accidents. You will not be able to prevent all accidents but will be able to prevent most of them by taking baby to the toilet every 15-20 minutes or so. No, you won’t be stuck doing this forever so don’t panic. For the first few months, however, be ready to take them frequently. For the accidents that will happen, stock up on lots of baby blankets and comfy cotton shorts or pants so you can change baby quickly. Once you start potty training, you will eventually be able to pick up on cues your baby gives you before they have to go. Some cues are stopping in the middle of an activity and staying still, grabbing their crotch, or starting to grunt or make efforts to poop!

- Don’t go back to diapers once you commit. Don’t even buy pull-ups for “just at night” because pull-ups are just glorified diapers. The goal is to get baby totally potty trained, even at night. You’ll be surprised how quickly your baby will stay dry at night. For those middle of the night accidents, keep blankets and extra clothing nearby for quick changes and consider layering a thicker blanket or towel under baby.

That’s it! Get ready for a few months of work with a great reward at the end! You will save money that would have been spent on diapers, you won’t have to worry about diaper rash and ultimately, you will save yourself trouble later when baby develops that strong-willed aversion to going on the potty. Good luck!

Saving at the Supermarket

 Have you ever wondered how your grocery bill got so high? You innocently grabbed your list, your shopping bags, your purse and headed out the door with a budget in mind and then bam! You go waaay over at the checkout line! I’ve been there too many times to count. But what I realized over time, is that I wasn’t sticking to hard and fast rules and was allowing for too much margin. If my kiddos wanted a snack or treat, in the basket it would go. If I noticed something we loved to eat was on sale, in the basket it would go. Or, if I suddenly had inspiration for a meal idea, the ingredients would make their way into the basket, on sale or not. 

After spending WAY too much money for WAY too long, I finally decided something had to give. My hubby and I have dreams of a bigger house with a bigger yard and that ain’t gonna happen if Mama keeps flushing money down the drain. So we decided to talk budget. We sat down and realistically set a budget for all the main categories of spending...household (haircuts, dry cleaning, home repairs), fast food and groceries. We decided that for our family, $500 for groceries, $100 for fast food, and $300 for household per month would be sufficient.

It has worked! Check out your grocery store online coupons, digital ads and yes, even the old-school paper ad that comes in the mail is worth checking out! If you base your shopping solely on the ads and what’s on sale, you will always save! Get creative and figure out new ways to use affordable staples such as rice and potatoes, buy on sale and freeze for later and turn those leftovers into tasty lunches for the week or as additions to salads or soups. Check out my video for more info!

Grocery budget!

The Dog Days

Ahhh, the “Dog Days” of summer: kids up at 6 am, rarin’ to go, shorts and flip flops on rotation, popsicles at the ready...and mom about to lose her mind. Just the usual stuff— Except, it isn’t even summer yet! We’re still a month and a half away from it being officially summer but with this COVID-19 crisis, kids everywhere are home from school, and moms everywhere are losing their minds! What, exactly, were we supposed to do when most counties across the U.S. decided that the safest thing to do to avoid “the spread” was to shut down schools and turn happy stay-home moms into school teachers, lunch ladies, activities directors...etc, etc, etc.?? Go with it, that’s what. So instead of actually losing my mind, I’ve decided to embrace the suck, be positive and turn some sour lemons into sweet lemonade. How I cope:
- Pretend summer came early. The benefits are longer days, cool mornings and warm afternoons spent watching movies with the A/C blasting. My kinda thing. With snacks— plenty of snacks!
- Keep that A/C blowing and turn on the oven for some freshly baked treats from the “lunch lady,” —or keep the oven off altogether and make some Rice Krispie treats, homemade popsicles or yummy fruit salad. Those kids gotta eat!
- Take a nap. This one is important. My big kids have a fairly structured routine and are capable of handling Mommy taking a quick afternoon nap. “Sleep while baby sleeps” is the advice of the ages, and when my 10-month old takes a nap, Mommy does too! You don’t even have to sleep but you absolutely have to be in your room with the door closed, or the kids will find you. Paint your nails, take a bath, call a friend, but DO NOT let the kids know you are awake!
- Embrace take out. Ok, I am allllll for making a homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for my family when I have the energy, but when I don’t (which is often) my family relies on a handful of local haunts to satisfy our cravings and to give me a break. Not only will you get a day off from cooking, but you will be supporting businesses that may otherwise not be able to keep their doors open. A few of our faves are Avianos or Marcellos pizza, the Greek Street Grill, and Johnny’s or In ‘n’ Out cheeseburgers. Not the healthiest but pair it with a salad or that yummy fruit salad you made earlier and you’re good to go. Oh, and running to the grocery store for after-dinner ice cream sundaes is a must!
- Have a quick car date with the hubs. We regularly sneak out for grocery shopping, errands or just a quick ride on our golf cart in our community to escape from the kiddos. It’s necessary.

Equally important are things NOT to do, no matter how fun or cute they sound. Trust me on this. Whatever you do...
- DON’T offer to play with your kids. Just don’t do it. It sets a precedent that you’ll have to maintain for the next 10 years. I mean, if you want to sit on the floor playing LEGO or Play Dough or what have you, then by all means go for it. But personally, I’d rather stab my eyes out with a fork than sit on the floor and be handed a Barbie while my child demands that I “BE HER!” —Just sayin’.
- DON’T Host homemade pizza night for the kids! Everyone make their own! Just...no. Little hands, sticky dough, RED SAUCE! NO. Should be a no brainer but moms everywhere (myself included, years ago..) love pizza night! I’ve learned through my own failed attempts that the only one who should be making pizza is mommy. While drinking wine. In theory. Because, I don’t drink wine. But if I let my kids make the pizza, I’d want to.
- DON’T Ignore little red flags. You know how, when your kid asks to do something and that tiny voice in the back of your head yells “NOOO!” But you think, “Calm down voice-in-the-back-of-my-head, this is harmless! I got this.”  Listen to the voice! Here are a few brilliant ideas my kids have had that I WISH I would have rejected immediately:
Homemade slime, homemade hand sanitizer, homemade pond, homemade swing, digging large holes in the dirt in the backyard, making me breakfast, making me a “surprise” (with paint), starting any kind of business (Oh, you think it will be a good idea because the kids will learn the value of earning money. No. It will end being your business. It will.)

See, the thing is, we think that if the kids are busy doing their own little project, it will give us a little peace and quiet. And it will. But then...the aftermath. It’s like a fun shopping spree on a credit card that at the time is super fun but then...the bill arrives in the mail and you have to pay the piper. The piper, in this case, is the dirty mess from the digging of holes, and YOU are the one who will have to do that laundry. Or the paint that “accidentally” gets on the carpet and the couch and guess who gets to clean it??? So whatever you do, listen to the tiny voice and stick to activities that are a) outside b) involve electronic devices or c) use simple craft items like crayons and coloring books.
Hang in there, mamas!

Elimination Communication AKA Early Potty Training

I made a few videos recently on the benefits of early potty training and decided I’d follow them up with a written blog for those of you who would like to be able to refer back to it. Potty training is a lot of work no matter how old the child, but I’ve found that when it’s done earlier, before your baby can talk back or run away from you, the better! It’s really a simple thing, using the potty, but training your child to do it can feel like anything but. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to try:
-First, make sure you can commit the time and energy to begin. Consistency is everything. Don’t bother starting if you can’t follow through.
-Expect to take baby to the bathroom every fifteen minutes to begin.
-Choose a sound to make every time you take baby so they can begin to make an association with the sound and go more quickly.
-Be prepared for extra laundry in the beginning! Babies will have accidents at first so be ready. Have lots of cotton pants and shorts handy and don’t bother with any clothing items with fussy buttons or zippers. Quick access is important!
-Enlist help if possible. 15 minutes go by very quickly and you will get tired of taking baby. Even now that my son goes every 30-45 minutes, I appreciate every time my husband volunteers to take him.
-Be confident! People may look at you weird in a public restroom, you may end up covered in pee at some point and your friends may think you are crazy but remember the goal!
There are so many benefits to potty training your baby early including saving money on diapers and preventing nasty diaper rashes. I honestly can’t think of a reason not to do it! Please let me know your thoughts and what worked for you!

What Failure Looks Like

This afternoon, as I got my seven month old down for a nap, I couldn’t help but think “Man, I’m failing today!” There are still dishes in the sink from lunch, I haven’t spent one on one time with my older kids who are home on Christmas break, my hunny and I left on not so great terms as he left for a work meeting (because I bit his head off out of exhaustion) and once again I’m feeling guilty for napping while baby naps, leaving the big kids to fend for themselves. I feel like I should be crafting with them or baking or...something but I’m just too tired. I feel like I should have done my makeup and hair this morning and chosen something other than leggings and a sweatshirt to wear...again. And I constantly worry that I’m not paying enough attention to my hubby, that the soup I gave him was too cold or that the lunch I packed him for work wasn’t good enough, and that it's been far too long since date night. Seriously, these are things that prey on my mind!
But then I had a thought. What if I change my definitions of failure and success? WHY do I feel like I’m failing? What standard am I using? So as I sat and nursed my son, I made a mental list of all the things I had accomplished in the day.
First, I read scripture. I always try to start my day off by reading my bible and I’m so glad I did! Next I took a shower then headed to the grocery early and got in and out before my kiddos even knew I was missing. Next I made a big pot of soup and got a few meals prepped for the week while I caught up with my hunny over coffee. Then I made the kiddos chicken sandwiches for lunch and watched some tv with them. While I did bite my hubby’s head off for not “validating my feelings” (poor guy..) I quickly sent him an apology text and he reminded me that he just wants to be my hero but is at a loss for words at times. All was forgiven. I kissed my kids a thousand times today, administered antibiotic to the sick ones, read with them, played Scattegories and showed interest in the myriad of projects they were into. I guess I didn’t do half bad.
I think it’s high time I start looking at the good and forget the idea of perfection—it’s just not happening. Kids are kids. Families are messy and life is always in flux. I may not always look or feel my best but God knows I’m trying. And God meets me right where I am...tired, cranky, empty and He fills me right back up! I want to be supermom and superwife and I think if I used a different measuring stick, like the one my husband and kids use, I would be hitting it out of the park. They think I’m pretty awesome so I think it’s time to believe it for myself!
Ever struggle with feelings of inadequacy???

Getting My Groove Back..Again!

Understandably, postpartum is not the sexiest time in a woman’s life. Case in point: As I sit here typing, I have my seven month old nursing on me while milk is dripping down my stomach, I haven’t showered yet and I was finally able to eat dinner...at 10:30 at night. I’m in a pair of tattered sweatpants, a breastmilk stained t-shirt and I am sporting a mom bun. There is just nothing sexy about this..unless of course, you ask my husband. For some reason, he’s still got it for me. He believes that pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum stage are all extremely beautiful. He loves seeing me nurse, take care of the baby and often looks after our little one so I can nap.
I, on the other hand, am having trouble being as good to myself. Now, after seven months, things have definitely improved but having a baby is hard, period. Maybe it’s because I have unrealistic expectations of myself or maybe because I bounced back quickly with my other kids that I can’t seem to let go of the idea that like a brand new rubber band, I’m just going to SNAP! back...physically, emotionally and mentally. As much as I look like myself on the outside, I don’t feel like I’m quite myself yet. My energy hasn’t returned and I’m still not sleeping through the night.
I think us new mamas need to be better and kinder to ourselves and try to see ourselves as others do. Here are a few things that are helping me stay sane:
- Nap when baby naps. I know, I know..it’s easier said than done because if you’re like me, you have a million things to do and it’s easier when baby is asleep. Or maybe you just want some quiet time to watch tv or read or shower in peace. I hear ya! But if you are not rested, you will be no good for anyone. Because babies sleep a lot, designate just one of their naps for your nap time as well. Maybe it’s when hubby is home so he can watch other kiddos or when the other kiddos are at school. I like to nap first thing in the morning after dropping the older ones at school. Just make it happen. You’d be surprised what good a power nap can do.
- Let baby cry. Again, I know this is easier said than done but if my son is fussing and I know he is just tired, I let him cry a for few minutes before soothing him. If I run to pick him up every time he cries, I’m teaching him bad habits and constantly have to stop in the middle of things to tend to him. So I finish loading the dishwasher, folding the clothes or taking my shower before coming to his rescue.
- Speaking of coming to the rescue, let people help you. I have a hard time with this because I like to do things my way but if you don’t let people help, you will burn out very quickly. Teach older kids how to do a few household chores and let your husband run the errands. If a neighbor offers to make you dinner or watch your kids, let them! You can’t do it alone.
- Take time for yourself. Read a book, take time to pray, talk to a friend on the phone, go for a quick walk or paint your nails. Taking care of yourself is so important and you will be better equipped to take care of others if you put the oxygen mask on yourself first.
- Learn to say no. You cannot possibly have the same life you had before baby, that’s just the way it is. Accept it and move on. Life is going to be messy for a while so you need to prioritize. Babies have so many needs and are so demanding that you will not have the energy you used to have so you may have to say no to things you were able to do in your past life. With the exception of a few visits here and there, I have basically been a recluse. One of these days I will be able to take on more but for now, I have to take it easy. So stop feeling guilty!
- Make time for other kiddos, letting them help you, nap with you or sit and read next to you while baby nurses. Just do your best to make sure they feel involved.
Good luck and hang in there! How do you manage your new baby?

It's Cookie Time

I am all about all things homemade, natural, organic..etc., etc., etc. Not that I say no to a nice, juicy double-double now and then but overall, I think carefully about what I eat and as the gatekeeper of my family's health, what we're all eating. That being said, I had a hankering for a simple chocolate chip cookie the other day and after some drama regarding cats using the area under my house as a litter box, cat trapping, offended neighbors, conversations with offended neighbors...well, let's just say nothing says "peace offering" like a plate of warm, chocolate chip cookies.
I fully intended to make them from scratch but as I was perusing the baking aisle of Stater Bros, a box caught my eye. Pillsbury "Purely Simple" chocolate chip cookie mix had an appealing box and though I'm skeptical of items promising to be simple, only to then be laden with preservatives, additives..etc., I was pleasantly surprised at the relatively short ingredient list. At $1.99/box, it was a bargain too! Into my cart it went. (Well, two boxes went!)
Let me tell you, this cookie mix did not disappoint. The cookies were moist, chewy, had plenty of chocolate chips and baked evenly. I sprinkled about a half a cup of instant rolled oats in there because I LOVE oatmeal chocolate chip cookies even more than regular chocolate chip cookies and they were a hit! I would definitely use this mix again!

             

 Yuuuummmmy!!!!!