Turning off the TV–Fun with Paper Pattern Snowflakes

Adventures with Nick and Sally 3 Responses »
Dec 112011
 

A couple of weeks ago, I was reading this post by Money Saving Mom.  She detailed putting together felt patterns for making snowflakes.  I took that idea and made paper snowflake parts for Nick.  Then, I gave him a snowflake to use as a guide for the pattern.  Since he’s still getting used to gluing, so this was right up his alley.

IMG_7677IMG_7678

I forgot to have him put his glasses on before we started.

IMG_7679IMG_7680

My hexagons were a bit big for the size of paper.  I cut it down a bit for the others.

IMG_7681IMG_7683

He ended up making 3 different snowflakes and loved it.  I can’t wait for him to be able to cut.  Then, he’ll be able to cut out the pieces and glue them!  He’s already asked when he can make more snowflakes.  We’ll be doing this again soon.

Geauga Family Farms–Winter CSA week 5

CSA No Responses »
Dec 102011
 

The kids and Stephen went up to St. Noel’s today to pick up week 5 of our Geauga Family Farms CSA.  Next week is the last pickup for the winter share.  Today’s pickup was particularly great.

Here’s a group shot of what we received:

IMG_7691

Let’s take a closer look:

Butternut squash, sweet potatoes

IMG_7694IMG_7695

Eggs (Yeah!), garlic

IMG_7696IMG_7698

Broccoli, carrots

IMG_7697IMG_7699

Red cabbage, beets

IMG_7701IMG_7702

Two kinds of lettuce

IMG_7703IMG_7705

Wheat bread

IMG_7692

We have quite a few squash right now.  I will be baking most of them tomorrow and making squash puree for the freezer.  We also have quite a few sweet potatoes.  The kids really like the baked sweet potato slices, so we’ll be making them again soon.

Eggs we use in everyday cooking and they are always welcome.  We have quite a bit of garlic frozen, but this is our only fresh piece.  I’ll be putting it in chili this week.

The broccoli and carrots both went into Shepherd’s pie tonight.  It was delicious.  I used local butter, potatoes, ground beef, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.

I don’t have any immediate plans for the cabbage, but something will come to me soon.  The beets will be combined with some others in the fridge for Harvard beets.

We had some of the lettuce in salad today and will probably use the rest in a day or two.  The wheat bread is almost 1/2 gone.  It made nice peanut butter and apple butter toast for snacks today.

I’ll be sad to see this CSA end next week.

Turning off the TV–Fun with Bubbles

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Turning off the TV No Responses »
Dec 092011
 

I’ve decided that my kids watch too much TV.  It wasn’t on purpose, but over the last few months the amount of TV used to occupy them while I get ready in the morning, make dinner or take a break has been on the rise.

Last week, I decided that enough was enough and I have been making a conscious effort to have Nick and Sally do other things.  Crafty projects and games don’t come naturally to me and it’s extra challenging since Sally is two and Nick is almost 4.  They have very different abilities.

When I was making dish water (read: we don’t have a dishwasher),  the soap was extra sudsy and created a mound of bubbles.  Both Nick and Sally thought it was a hoot.  We had fun playing with it together.  Later, I gave Sally a spoonful of the suds.  She giggled and concentrated and had a blast.

IMG_7613IMG_7612

IMG_7614IMG_7616

Sometimes, it really is the little things.  With winter upon us, it’s good for me to figure out indoor activities that I can do with the kids.  It’s also good to have some table activities they can do on their own while I make dinner.  I hope to share about many of our activities to help remind or suggest things to other moms along the way.

 Posted by at 8:06 PM  Tagged with:

Fresh Fork Winter CSA–week 4

CSA 3 Responses »
Dec 082011
 

Today, we had a great Fresh Fork CSA pick up.  It was not busy when we arrived and we were in and out in a flash.  Robert even carried our stuff to the car.  Also, it was DRY!  There was an almost full moon and no precipitation.

Here’s what we were expecting this week:

  • 1 bunch bok choy (approx. 8 oz.)
  • 1 bunch leaf lettuce
  • 1 bag mixed braising greens, approx. 0.75 lb.
  • 3 count winter squash
  • 2 lbs. onions
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/2 lb. spinach or pak choy
  • 1 bag corn chips
  • 1 8-oz. wedge of Havarti or pepper Havarti from Mayfield Road Creamery
  • 3 lbs potatoes, Yukon gold or Red Norland
  • Approx. 3# beef roast (we’ll have an assortment available)

Here’s a group shot:

IMG_7660

Both the ground beef and the roast were frozen, so I just popped them in the freezer.

IMG_7661IMG_7663

I really like caramelized onions and haven’t made them in a while. I think I’ll be having them soon.  I’m also going to try a Shepard’s Pie with the potatoes.

IMG_7664IMG_7665

We were supposed to get one head of cauliflower.  I’m guessing we have two due to the size.  They aren’t in the best shape, so I will be cooking them tomorrow.  The winter squash look nice.  We have an acorn, butternut and an orange Hubbard squash.

IMG_7666IMG_7667

Bok choy has been being made Asian style for Stephen lately.  I’m not sure if we will try something different or not.

IMG_7668IMG_7672

The lettuce will go into taco salad.  Fresh Fork posted a recipe on the braising greens.  I think we’ll try it out this week.  We get these weird mixed greens a lot during the winter.

IMG_7669IMG_7671

These are two tiny heads of broccoli.  I’m sure they are tasty and will disappear quickly.  We had the return of the corn chips. We bought one extra bag ($3.5) not pictured.

IMG_7670IMG_7673

This week’s share ended with local Harvarti cheese.  All of the cheese from Mayfield Creamery has been great and I’m sure this will be no exception.

IMG_7674

As you may recall, we we short a few items from our Thanksgiving package a couple of weeks ago.  These items were delivered with our regular share today.

IMG_7676

So, we have more of a few items and are glad to have apples back in stock.  I’ll probably be cooking/freezing the winter squash and pumpkin in the next day or two to have for recipes in the winter.

The holiday ham and other package order form came out today.  I’m not sure if we are going to order a ham this year.  I’ll need to check with my folks to figure out our menu for Christmas.

I’m off to put the rest of our share away and clean the kitchen from dinner.

WinterShow at the Botanical Gardens–take 3

Adventures with Nick and Sally No Responses »
Dec 072011
 

Today, we headed back to the gardens for another look at the WinterShow.  We met up with some friends and enjoyed out morning.

First, we headed to the glasshouse and looked at the creatures.  I enjoyed watching this turtle eat breakfast which consisted of a veggie and fruit salad.  It looked delicious.

IMG_7566IMG_7567

We saw butterflies and birds.  The kids enjoyed the telescopes.  They even got to practice taking turns.  Sharing is rough when you are 4.

IMG_7570IMG_7571

Sally really enjoyed the shop again.  Nick even helped her scan.  I like that she thinks the microphone is an ear piece.

IMG_7573IMG_7575

IMG_7584IMG_7597

One of our friends really enjoyed these cupcakes today.  Sally liked them so much on our last visit, that we bought a set for a Christmas gift.

IMG_7594

At some point the kids decided that it was fun to sit under the tables.  They got a bit crazy and it was definitely time for lunch.  I really liked the use of M&Ms on this house.  I feel like I see new houses every visit.

IMG_7605IMG_7608

We had a planned lunch at their café.  They have a simple menu plus some deli premade things.  We enjoyed some chili and grilled cheese.  It was a nice way to end our visit.

Nick had a temper tantrum as we were leaving.  He’s been a handful lately.  Today, as we left to walk to our car he decided to walk past the ice rink instead of the birds.  I always let them pick the direction we travel around Wade Oval.  When we got to the crosswalk, he had a fit about not seeing the birds.  He’s not happy with being told no.  It’s hard teach a 4 year old about choices and consequences, but we’ll keep trying.  I was happy that both kids stayed awake on the way home and then took 2+ hour naps.  They both needed one and I needed a break.

OBA Cookie Swap!

Blog Information 1 Response »
Dec 062011
 

The Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Blogging Association had a Holiday Party and Cookie Exchange last night.

Here’s Crystal from Eat*Drink*Cleveland, me and Julie from Wearing Mascara sporting our holiday hats.

IMG_7550

There were lots of snacks and drinks to enjoy while we mingled.  This is only one of the tables of items to choose from.

IMG_7547

There were so many cookies and treats for the exchange, that I needed two shots to capture them all.

IMG_7549

IMG_7548

Everyone left with a container full of mixed treats.

Alicia from Poise In Parma did an awesome job coordinating the event.  You can check out her post to see the list of attendees. Thanks to Crystal and Mark for hosting us.

The OBA group started having month meet ups back in January.  I attended my first one in the spring.  It’s a great welcoming group and we have a ton of fun.

A Full Spin

Exercise No Responses »
Dec 052011
 

Today was an awesome day!  I completed my first full spin class since my second knee injury.  For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been doing 1/2 of the class.

I was hoping that my knee would be pain free today and it was.  I didn’t feel like I needed ice or a nap when I was done.  WIN WIN!  As usual, I’m careful with the standing positions and still go at my own pace, but it’s so motivating to spin in Beth’s class.

Tonight, it feels a tad tight, but I’ll take it.

I’ve had some other good workouts lately, but nothing makes me sweat like a full hour of spinning.

I love planning my Monday’s around spin class and can’t wait until next week.

Thistlehair the Christmas Bear

Adventures with Nick and Sally, Family No Responses »
Dec 042011
 

Whenever we decorated the tree or opened presents growing up, we listened to Alabama Christmas.  Specially, we liked the song “Thistlehair the Christmas Bear”.  Even today, we always play this at our family’s holiday gathering.  So, we played it this week as we set up our tree.

It really was a week long project.  One night Stephen made room and rearranged the entertainment center gate.

IMG_7210IMG_7211

Another day, he put the tree together.  Another day, he put colored lights on the tree.  One night was spent debugging them.  We ended up with the white lights this year.

IMG_7272IMG_7273IMG_7403

The kids are super excited!

IMG_7522IMG_7523

Finally, they got to help decorate.

IMG_7527IMG_7529

I handed them ornaments and untangled hooks.  Their hanging job was pretty good.

IMG_7531IMG_7533

Here’s the finished product.  My grandmother made the angel for the top.  My mom always hung red bows on our tree growing up.

IMG_7541

We’re excited for the holidays this year.  Our calendar is filled with fun events and we’ll be keeping busy.

Geauga Family Farms–Winter CSA week 4

CSA 1 Response »
Dec 032011
 

Today was the 4th pick up for the winter Geauga Family Farms CSA.  Stephen took the kids for the pick up while I made a quick Kohl’s trip.  We met up back at home where I quickly photographed before we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  Ironically, I had a class about sustainable eating and supporting the local food movement!

Here’s a group shot of what we received:

IMG_7510

Let’s take a closer look:

Leaf lettuce, apples

IMG_7511IMG_7512

Loaf of pumpkin bread, potatoes

IMG_7514IMG_7516

Butternut squash, red leaf lettuce

IMG_7517IMG_7518

Bok choy, collard greens

IMG_7519IMG_7520

Beets

IMG_7521

Aside for some mandarin oranges from yesterday’s Whole Food sale, a few potatoes and a couple of onions,  we were out of everything fresh.  So, today’s pick up was welcome in our fridge.

Both of the lettuces will go into salad.  I’m thinking of using some leftover chorizo and beans and making some type of Mexican inspired salad.  The apples will go into oatmeal.  When we have apples available, we use them in our oatmeal.  The rest of the time we use frozen or home-canned fruit.

Half of the pumpkin bread is already gone.  It’s extremely good.  We’ll have the potatoes as part of dinner one night this week.  Since butternut squash is one that can be peeled, I’ll probably roast it in chunks with cinnamon, pepper and olive oil.

I’ve been making Asian bok choy for Stephen with garlic and sesame oil.  He seems to like it and it gives him an Asian dish.  Sesame is not really my thing.

I haven’t decided on a collards dish yet.  We’ve tried several.  It’s still hit or miss on whether we like the end product.  Clearly, I need a consistent go to recipe for them.

We haven’t made Harvard beets lately, so I’ll be making them this week.

Originally, we were supposed to get eggs each week.  They have new chickens and the production has not been as anticipated.  I was surprised that we didn’t get them this week since we didn’t have a pick up last week.  But, I have more than a dozen left from our other CSA, so we aren’t out yet.

We also placed an add on order for a half gallon of local maple syrup ($25).  I’ve been reading up on making maple coated pecans and some eggnog type of beverages that used maple instead of sugar, so I thought we should stock up.  It’s hard to believe that new maple syrup will be available in less than 4 months.

IMG_7539

It’s nice to be stocked back up on fresh items.  It’s hard to believe that there is only 2 weeks left of this short winter CSA.

WinterShow at the Botanical Gardens–Take 2

Adventures with Nick and Sally No Responses »
Dec 022011
 

On Thursday, we headed back to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens with more friends.  This first photo is the grand tree in the lobby.  It’s super tall.

IMG_7406

Clark Hall has an entire display of trees that are sponsored by the affiliate garden clubs.  This year all of the trees are themed based on children’s books.  The snowman tree is my favorite.  I don’t quite understand a Hanukkah tree!?  There was story time at 11AM in the library.  One of the books was about red mittens.  It ended with a craft to make a pair of red mittens out of paper, yarn and cotton balls.

IMG_7455IMG_7453IMG_7451

We took a look at more gingerbread houses and collected some more ideas for making our own.

IMG_7410IMG_7412

We played in the spice shop.

IMG_7424IMG_7428

Sally and the little boy really enjoyed the carpet where story time was held.  Throughout the building, there were tons of beautiful poinsettias.  I may make a stamp out of this photo.  A couple of years ago, I bought some photo stamp kits on clearance.  I paid less than the value of the stamps at that time.  It turns out they are good for the current first class postage.  This year, we’ll be printing our own photos for stamps instead of buying the current holiday stamp at the post office.  It’s nice to have something that is appreciating in value.

IMG_7433IMG_7429IMG_7456

It looks like we have one or two more trips to the WinterShow before it ends at the end of the month.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries