It's been a while! Updates and proud mommy stuff

Amelia's one year picture! She is now currently almost 16 mo. old going on 5 years! Her personality is blossoming more and more each day. She is fiercely independent, but knows Mom or Dad are always nearby; no matter how much she pushes (or runs) away.

Her favorite activities are reading books, playing with dolls, kicking balls around, talking, mimicking, smelling flowers, climbing up on everything, wearing purses, brushing her teeth and hair, giving hugs and kisses, feeding herself with a spoon and retrieving things for mom and dad.

Her favorite foods are "BERRRIES", "CHEESE", "BABY"(Yobaby yogurt), "MOO" (milk), and baby carrots. She also loves black beans, hummus, pickles, and Tofu. She isn't much of a meat eater...so we are working on alt. forms of protein.

Her newest words are "Poopies", "Berries", "Hi Dad", "Toot Toot"(car) "Choot choot" (train), "Doodle doodle doo" (rooster), Cheese, Nanna, pop pop (grandpa) MomMaa (grandma), Mommm or momms (me) Choos (shoes), at (cat), Dag (dog), Beer (bear), baby, eeeys (keys), Nose, and NO!, mo mo (more). She also signs, more, all done, please and thankyou. She points to almost all her body parts when asked and knows her ABC's up to the letter d and sometimes e.

She points to words and says A, B...A..B...A..B..C..c..d..eeeee.....( I help her a little of course).

Transformation

Transform (ation) a: to change in composition or structure b: to change the outward form or appearance of c: to change in character or condition : convert. (as taken from Webster's Dictionary). Becoming a mother is transformative in structure, in outward form or appearance and, in character. Each facet of my life was touched by the transformation of motherhood. Many of these transformations were apparent and many more were latent. Within the last month, 8 months after the birth of my daughter, these latent transformations are blooming. I am slowing down to smell the flowers of this transformation. Some of these transformations are new but many more are current facets of myself which now have the right medium for cultivation. The medium being, motherhood.

Many women are afraid of losing themselves in motherhood. I feel like I am finding myself, again, in motherhood. Over the last 7 years I graduated from college and pursued my nursing career in oncology. I began nursing with the naivete of holistic complementary nursing meshing effortlessly with conventional western medicine. I couldn't have been more discouraged. This discouragement transformed into apathy. Within this apathy the spirit of the naive, passionate, holistic young woman slept; waiting patiently to reawake, someday. This someday occured approximately 18 months ago. This is when I became pregnant.

Pregnancy was the catalyst for a cascade of changed which were not really changes at all but regressions back to a younger me, a more hopeful me, a me who was in touch with...me.

TO BE CONTINUED

A short post

Amelia fell asleep....






















Then...Daddy did too!

Merry Christmas

Today is Amelia's first Christmas. We have been busy, busy, busy!!! After the hustle and bustle and the dust settles we will fill you in on all the details. Until then...have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and a safe and happy New Year!!!

Love,

The Mattson's

3...2...1...ACTION!!!

Miss Amelia is all action, action, action these days. Nonstop moving and wiggling. Diaper changes are darn near impossible. I dread the super duper poopers! Not a fun mess to clean up off of her hands, feet, back as she twists and turns in it. Ack!

Our little gal is changing SO fast. Each day it is something new. Last Friday at ECFE Amelia pulled herself up to standing on her own. I sat quietly and relished in my little one's accomplishment with her as she gleamed back at me over her shoulder. I was beaming from the inside nearly ready to burst!!! I wanted to squeal with delight and say, "Look! Look! Look at her, she just pulled herself up for the FIRST TIME!!!" I didn't want to boast or seem competitive.
Amelia has been pulling off this feat several times now. Each time her face is shining with pride. We applaud her and say, "Yay, Amelia!!!" This morning she used the laundry basket. She loves to take the clean laundry out of the basket. Who knew??? It really is quite inexpensive to entertain a baby.

Amelia is starting and let me repeat...starting to get over her aversion to food. She and the spoon are starting to become friends again. Tonight I made her an organic potato, corn, carrot and onion skillet. I coarsely mashed it up and she was in heaven. She was eating it so fast and smiling. I doctored up my portion with garlic and black pepper. Quite tasty. For more baby recipes go to Organix.com and click on recipes for babies. Lots of really great ideas. Many of them sound really good and I want to make them for the whole family for dinner. YUM!!!

Today Guy, Amelia and I (Kristina) went over to Leslie and Andrew's (Leslie's Boyfriend) place for lunch/brunch. They made my inner foodie very happy. We had goat cheese and spinach souffles, fruit salad with caramelized pears and pomegranate seeds, and homemade scones. After lunch we had french press coffee and cookies I brought over. Everything was outstanding. I told Guy after I felt like Garth in Wayne's world. "I'm not worthy..I'm not worthy..."
I am going to have to steal the souffle recipe from Leslie...that was seriously SO SO delectable.

Amelia LOVED Sofie Leslie's cat. She squealed with delight everytime she saw it. Her idea of petting is grabbing a chunk of fur. (We'll have to work on that.) Sofie was so good for the most part calm around Amelia. Everytime she sees a cat she goes NUTS!!! Felines are not Guy's favorite animals; so hopefully this is just a phase for Amelia. We are both allergic to cats, Guy more than I.

We are looking forward to our first family Mattson Christmas just the 3 of us on Christmas morning. Even though Amelia is too young to understand we are being mindful of the traditions we want to start and memories we want to make for Amelia and our future children. Having an intimate Christmas morning is something both Guy and I desire. Christmas Eve we are spending with Bette (Guy's mom). I am excited for Amelia to be around a real tree even if it is for one day. Bette really makes it special for Christmas and decorates her home beautifully. We plan on attending church in Buffalo depending on how late service ends. Christmas morning just the three of us and Christmas afternoon with my parents at my maternal grandfather's. After Christmas afternoon we are inviting people (grandparents) to our home for a Chrismas snack and movies. Later in January we will have our Christmas with Guy's dad's family. We hope this will accomodate everyone without spreading us to thin or compromising our desires for the holidays season.

I want to thank everyone for the cards and I HOPE to have mine out soon...perhaps they will be Happy New Year cards!!! :-)

Adventures in Babyfood

Amelia has had an aversion to solid foods since "Puke Fest I & II" in early October. Lately it has gotten to the point where she won't even taste it off of my finger. She really dislikes "her" babyfood. (I'd eat it as I homemake her babyfood) . Tonight enough was enough, I decided. I broke out the manual baby food mill and just milled her my dinner. I was eating whole wheat angel hair pasta with garlic, peas and garbanzo beans, it was a recipe from 'Real Simple'.

Amelia LOVED it! She was letting me feed her and also feeding herself. (See picture left). Breakthrough!!! I don't know if it was a different texure or if it was more salty. BUT she ate it. So tonight Amelia was introduced to garbanzo beans, garlic, chicken broth and pasta. I am a rebel. I hope I don't get "Puke Fest III" tonight.

Bruticus, Jr.

So recently Guy and I have noticed Amelia showing preferences for certain toys, pictures, etc. One toy in particular has caught her fancy. A stuffed tiger. She LOVES him. She squeels with delight everytime she sees him. Amelia pulls him into her face and babbles to him. SO insanely cute! Ironically enough Guy's favorite stuffed animal growing up was Bruticus a stuffed tiger. So we have named Amelia's new best friend, Bruticus, Jr. We hope they have a long and memorable friendship. Thanks Amelie for the wonderful gift all the way from Germany. I was at Target tonight looking for a doppleganger just in case we ever lost Bruticus. No dice. The Germans know how to make a quality product.

Yoga baby

Downward dog, cobra, bug, cat stretch and child's pose. These are the many yoga positions I have seen Amelia in over the last week. She is unaware of her little inner yogi. I see it. Makes me smile as I join her moving and stretching. I never realized the innocence of yoga until now. Yoga keeps your body limber and young. No better example than a baby unaware of the poses using them to learn locomotion. I try to be as centered and present with her as possible.
But a part of me is excited for the day she says..."Mom let's do yoga together." And I will say, "Did you know you have been doing yoga since you were 7 months old?" (Smile)

Storytime Fun

For the past two Tuesdays Amelia and I have attended the Red Balloon Bookshop for baby story time. What a delight the story teller Sara is! It's a great free fun activity for us to enjoy together.
If you ever attend come early because it is packed!

Breaking News!
Amelia is FINALLY cuting her teeth. We heard them "clink" on a drinking glass. I felt in there and sure enough, I felt the little buggers! I can't see them though. Guy was home at the time of discovery which was an awesome family moment to share. Our little gal is growing up!
In addition Amelia's favorite thing to say is..."ba ba bab bab bab ba aaaababa". So we are learning our b words. Bottle, bath, boy, bun, bird, brrr. She often sings back up on "Barbara Ann". "Ba ba ba baaaa" then I say "arann". She just laughs and giggles! SO much fun!

How to gain 40 lbs when you are preggers

A WELL BALANCED PREGNANCY DIET CONSISTS OF:
Every day of the week you and your baby should have:
One quart (4 glasses) or more of milk. Any kind will do: whole milk, low fat, skim, buttermilk, or cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc....
Two eggs, (hard boiled, in french toast, or added to other foods).
One or two servings of fish or seafood, liver, chicken, lean beef, lamb, pork, beans or any kind of cheese.
One or two good servings of fresh green leafy vegetables: mustard, collard, turnip greens, spinach, lettuce, or cabbage.
Two or three slices of whole wheat bread, cornmeal, cornbread, or tortillas.
A piece of citrus fruit or glass of juice of lemon, lime, orange, tomato, or grapefruit.
Three pats of butter.
Other fruits and vegetables.Also include in your diet:
A serving of whole grain cereal such as oatmeal or granola.
A yellow or orange-colored fruit or vegetable five times a week.
Liver once a week. (if you like it)
Whole baked potato three times a week.
Plenty of fluids, water, juice etc.
Salt food to taste for a safe increase in blood volume.

http://www.bradleybirth.com/PD.aspx

This is the diet I followed. Funny enough...the weight has been coming off wonderfully...I have about 10 lbs to go. I didn't swell much at all. (I could take my rings off and on easily until about 3 days or so before Amelia was due) I was a protein fanatic!!! I highly recommend this diet and birthing methods for that matter.

Ideas needed

So Amelia has an aversion to pureed foods ever since her flu earlier in October. She was totally into solids and then...she won't have any of it. I have tried feeding her the food on my finger, eating from the bowl to make it seem like my food, getting different spoons, different places, different foods. Nada. (Well that isn't exactly true...she did kinda eat some apples the other night...but then the next day when she tried them again she didn't want anything to do with them.) I have also tried to make the puree thick and then just putting it on her tray to feed herself...nothing gets in her mouth. I am stumped and I can't keep up with her voracious appetite with breast milk so we are having to supplement with formula. I don't usually ask for advice on her...but I am on my knees. HELP!!! Thanks!

Today

Today was a great day! Amelia and I spent the day out and about. First to ECFE (early child and family education) Class. It has been about a month since we have attended class. It was really great to go and see all the babes and watch Amelia interact. She is such a social butterfly. She really loves other kids. (I guess she will have to get a brother or sister someday.)
Then we went to Target to look at glasses. I have been EVERYWHERE and I can't find frames I like. I actually found some at Target I liked and they are going to be 30% off since I am a member of AAA. Guy scoffed at my membership...and look it's going to save us about 150 dollars. After Target we went to "Once Upon A Child". It is a used children's store. Great stuff. I was going to get Amelia a heavier weight sleep sack and a baby bath tub. I was side tracked by all the great stuff and forgot about the items I needed all together. I did score 2 great zip up fleece suits for going out in the cold. They aren't too bulky, which is good for the car seat but they provide enough warmth for transport from the condo to the jeep with out having to cocoon her in only a blanket. (It is getting cold her in Minnesota.) I really envy those with an attached garage.

I got three loads of laundry done and Amelia took her first solids in over a month. YAY! (She had a stomach bug and ever since has had aversion to solids.) I bought this gerber little dipper spoon. She totally dug it. So 1 point for team MOM!

Shout outs!

Hi there loyal readers I want to hear from you! (stop lurking and post a comment already)

Shout outs

Hi Michael Lippold...I promoted Calavos today!

Hi Jen Lippold...I love your blog http://www.permablinker.com/ I wish you posted more!

Hi Karen Edwards...Finn is and will always be Amelia's first love...

Hi Mom and Dad...Where are you these days?

Hi Gramma Mattson...Amelia loves her time with Gramma (she told me) :-)

Hi Grandpa Mattson and Grandma Pat...We miss you and hope to see you soon!

Hi Kathy Owens...I miss you girl and wish we talked more!

Were you not on the shout out list...let me know...leave me a comment. I love ideas and hope you enjoy the blog.

Autumn Photos Post

12 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

The Dirty Dozen 12 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products
(Info from www.thegreenguide.com)

* Antibacterials
* Coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1, Green 3
* Diethanolamine (DEA)
*1,4-Dioxane
* Formaldehyde from quaternium 15
* Fragrance
* Hydroquinone
* Mercury and lead
* Nanoparticles
* Methyl-, propyl-, butyl- and ethyl parabens
* Petroleum distillates* Phenylenediamine (PPD)

Here are some ingredients to look for on labels and avoid:

Coal-Tar Dyes: These coloring agents can be carcinogens. Avoid cosmetics containing FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Green 3, D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, FC&C Yellow 6.

Glycol Ethers: Some glycol ethers have been linked to reproductive-system harm or birth defects, and overexposure can also result in kidney damage and liver abnormalities. Propylene glycol is a common skin irritant.

Fragrance: This blanket term generally covers synthetic fragrance using phthalates, a family of chemical plasticizers that have been shown to cause birth defects, reproductive impairments and liver damage in lab animals. And, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic reactions from cosmetics.

Petrolatum: Although studies confirm that petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, is safe, it is derived from a non-renewable resource and can cause allergic skin reactions. And if you accidentally eat too much—not an impossibility if you are slathering it on your lips—you may wind up with diarrhea.

Preservatives: Parabens, including methyl-, butyl-, ethyl- and propyl-, often cause skin irritation and have been found in tissue samples from human breast tumors. Consumers should also avoid bronopol (often listed as 2-brono-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol), diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantion, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium 15, all of which can release formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen.

Hypoallergenic: Don't be seduced by this meaningless term. The FDA states that "there are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term 'hypoallergenic.'" Some products labeled "hypoallergenic," for example, contain known allergens, such as quaternium 15 and propylene glycol.


What to look for:
Look for these “goodies,” generally less irritating and less risky for health and the environment, in a variety of personal care products. (You download and print this list as part of a comprehensive cosmetics guide, available at "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly").
Annatto
Beeswax
Candelilla wax
Carmine
Carrageenan
Cornstarch
Hematite
Iron oxides
Jojoba oil
Kaolin
Pycnogenol (from pine trees)
Rice bran oil
Shea butter
Sunflower oil
Sweet almond oil
Titanium dioxide
Vitamins A,C,E

What's Good
Less-Toxic Personal-Care Products
(Caution: Although less toxic, these and other personal-care products can be harmful if ingested and should be kept out of the reach of children.)
Check out starred (*) "bad" ingredients

Antiperspirants & Deodorants

Tom's of Maine Natural Anti-perspirant & Deodorant. Contains buffered aluminum sulfate, naturally derived and less likely to irritate than aluminum chlorohydrate*. Does contain propylene glycol*, which carries a low risk of irritancy. No Tom's of Maine product contains phthalates, says spokesperson Kathleen Taggersell (http://www.tomsofmaine.com/, 800/FOR-TOMS).

Crystal Stick Body Deodorant. Simply uses only natural mineral salts and the naturally derived ammonium alum. (http://www.crystaldeodorantprotection.com/, 888/262-3884, or see the many crystal deodorants listed in The Green Guide's Deodorant Product Report).

Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant. 99% natural; fragrance ingredients include sage and lemon oils (http://www.burtsbees.com/, 800/849-7112).

Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Stick Lavender. Scented with lavender essential oil (http://www.kissmyface.com/, 800/262-5477). Does contain propylene glycol*.

Perfumes & Fragrances
EWG's 2002 report "Not Too Pretty" found that 100% of the fragrances tested contained phthalates, even among such "natural" sounding product lines as Healing Garden. Only pure botanical fragrances can be assumed to be phthalate-free, but those with sensitive skin should still patch-test.

Aveda Pure-fumes are 100% natural (http://www.aveda.com/, 800/328-0849).

Sunrise Herbal Remedies Essential Essences contain botanicals mixed on site at a Connecticut herb farm (http://www.sunriseherbfarm.com/, 866/794-0809).

Tisserand Aromatherapy Essential Oils (through http://www.avalonnaturalproducts.com/, 800/227-5120).

Powder
Cornstarch is a nontoxic alternative to talc, but take caution: These and other fine particles/powders can, if inhaled, irritate airways and provoke asthmatic reactions.

Burt's Bees Wings of Love Facial Powder, talc-free, uses mica, calcium carbonate (chalk), kaolin (clay) and zinc oxide (http://www.burtsbees.com/, 800/849-7112).
California Baby Calming Non-Talc Powder (www.california baby.com, 877/576-2825).

Moisturizers
The products below are free of the most problematic synthetic chemicals.

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion (http://www.burtsbees.com/, 800/849-7112).

Jason Natural Cosmetics Vitamin K Creme Plus for Skin (http://www.jason-natural.com/, 800/JASON-05).

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Complexion & Body Moisturizer (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/incoming.cfm?aff_code=1413, 800/282-7394).

Kiss My Face Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer (http://www.kissmyface.com/, 800/262-5477).

Haircare Products

Safer Shampoos & Conditioners

Avalon Organic Botanicals Therapeutic Shampoo contains the preservatives methyl-* and propylparaben*, but they pose less risk in rinse-off products (http://www.avalonnaturalproducts.com/, 800/277-5120).

Aubrey Organics Soothing Blue Camomile Shampoo (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/, 800/282-7394); their hair product line contains no SLS/SLES surfactants*.

Dr. Hauschka Herbal Hair Conditioner (http://www.drhauschka.com/, 800-247-9907).

J. R. Liggett's Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo -- no bottle! (http://www.jrliggett.com/, 603/675-2055).

Hair Groomers: Sprays, gels and other "fixitives"

Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Lotion (http://www.drhauschka.com/, 800-247-9907).

Aveda Brilliant Hair Spray (http://www.aveda.com/, 800-328-0849).

John Masters Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel (http://www.johnmasters.com/, 800-599-2450).

John Masters Hair Pomade (http://www.johnmasters.com/, 800-599-2450).

Hair Dyes
The safest hair-coloring products last the least amount of time:
"Semi-permanent" products, which coat the hair and wash out after several shampoos, contain no ammonia*, peroxide* or other harsh chemicals. Gray strands will come out looking like highlights, but these products can't cover an entire head of gray.
They include: Aveda color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners (http://www.aveda.com/, 800-328-0849) and Logona Kosmetik Pure Vegetable Hair Color (http://www.smallflower.com/ or from the Merz Apothecary, 800-252-0275).

"Demi-permanent" tints typically last twice as long and can cover more gray -- but they do contain peroxide.
A good choice: Clairol Natural Instincts Demi Permanent Haircolor contains no ammonia and is low in peroxide (at stores nationwide; www.clairol.,com, 800-223-5800).

Step up to permanent hair dyes and highlights and you've entered a world of harsh chemicals, including cancer-linked "coal tar" dyes. Safest bet: Avoid coal-tar ingredients and keep formulations off the scalp. As Deirdre Imus says, "Simply work with your colorist to keep the process as safe as possible."

Good Makeup
FlowerColor Eyeshadow by Ecco Bella (http://www.eccobella.com/, 877-696-2200) contains no synthetic preservatives.

Paul Penders (http://www.paulpenders.com/, 888-278-0889) makes a mascara with no tar, alcohol or petroleum-based colors or chemical drying agents.

Eyeliner from Burt's Bees (http://www.burtsbees.com/, 800-849-7112) contains only natural ingredients and also works as an eyebrow pencil.

Aubrey Organics (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/, 800-282-7394) makes Natural Lips, a 100% vegan product that can double as a blush.

Water-based nail polish that peels off (no remover necessary) is available from Color 'N Peel (colornpeel.com, 888-420-2628).

The following companies also make a full range of cleaner color cosmetics:
Dr. Hauschka (http://www.drhauschka.com/, 800-247-9907)
Gabriel (800-497-6419)
NaturElle (http://www.naturalbeauty.com/, 800-442-3936)
Real Purity (http://www.realpurity.com/, 800-253-1694)

Healthier Ingredients Roundup
Look for these "goodies" in a variety of personal-care products: Annatto, beeswax, candelilla wax, carmine, carrageenan, cornstarch, hematite, iron oxides, jojoba oil, kaolin, pycnogenol (from pine trees), rice-bran oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, titanium dioxide, vitamins A,C,E.

Or make your own products. Check out this post all about making your own Natural body products . There are lots of recipes for homemade toiletries, etc...

Bugaloo Shoes giveaway

Those who know me know I love a great deal. I also love a great deal that supports small business even more. I have an awesome Bugaloo shoe giveaway to tell you about.

Through one of the blogs I read the author is giving away a pair of these darling leather soled shoes. To enter you just follow the instructions on her blog and comment. It's that simple. She is promoting the shoes because her cousin is the business owner.

Here is the link to the giveaway.

Bugaloo Shoe Giveaway through Passionatehomemaking.com

Giveaway ends on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 5:00 pm PST.
Winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Saturday.

The Little Red Hen

Little Red Hen by Lyn Calder
Capitalism vs socialism

One day Little Red Hen was scratching around in her garden when she found some grains of wheat. "Who will help me plant this wheat?" asked Little Red Hen.
"Not I," said Duck.
"Not I," said Cat.
"Not I," said Dog.
"Then I will plant the wheat myself," said Little Red Hen.
And she did.

Day by day the wheat grew. When it was tall and yellow, Little Red Hen asked, "Who will help me cut the wheat?"
"Not I," said Duck.
"Not I," said Cat.
"Not I," said Dog.
"Then I will cut the wheat myself," said Little Red Hen.
And she did.

Once Little Red Hen had cut the wheat she asked, "Who will help me thresh the wheat?"
"Not I," said Duck.
"Not I," said Cat.
"Not I," said Dog.
"Then I will thresh the wheat myself," said Little Red Hen.
And she did.

The wheat had to be ground into flour. "Who will help me take the wheat to the miller for grinding?" asked Little Red Hen.
"Not I," said Duck.
"Not I," said Cat.
"Not I," said Dog.
"Then I will take the wheat to the miller myself," said Little Red Hen.
And she did.

When Little Red Hen returned with the flour, she asked, "Who will help me make the dough and bake the bread?"
"Not I," said Duck.
"Not I," said Cat.
"Not I," said Dog.
"Then I will make the dough and bake the bread myself," said Little Red Hen.
And she did.

Finally, the bread was ready. "Who will help me eat this warm and tasty bread?" asked Little Red Hen.
"I will!" said Duck.
"I will!" said Cat.
"I will!" said Dog.
"Oh no!" said Little Red Hen. "I will eat the bread myself."
And she did.

(KM Addition)

But not before the farmer Obama found out and took 50% bread away from the hen and redistributed it to all the animals on the farm. After the redistribution everyone only had a couple crumbs of bread and the farmer Obama's home of friends and family was large and well fed. The hen really liked to make bread so the next time she made 3 loafs. The farmer Obama decided to take even more from the red little hen...this time he took 80% of her bread. The little red hen decided that day there was no motivation for her to make lots bread anymore when it was taken away by the farmer Obama. She decided she would just settle for the farmer Obama's crumbs and sometime make a small loaf of bread from time to time. Because the less she made the less she had to share. Because little red hen wasn't motivated to make bread anymore...the animals and farmer obama got hungry because no one was making bread to redistribute. So farmer Obama ordered the red little hen to make bread against her will for them to eat and for the farmer to sell and keep the profits.

Corn Chower and Cream sauce recipe

Corn Chowder

¼ c onions chopped (more if desired)
3TBSP butter
2c frozen corn
2 c milk
½ c powdered milk (optional)
2 c potatoes, peeled and diced
1 c cream sauce (see attached recipe)
1 clove garlic or garlic powder to taste
Chopped fully cooked chicken or other meat of choice if desired.

In large saucepan sauté onions in butter until soft. Add corn, milk, powdered milk(opt) and potatoes, and simmer over med heat for about 15 min or until potatoes are tender but not mushy. Add cream sauce in bring just to boiling point. Season and serve hot.


Cream sauce

Yields 2 cups. (half recipe for corn chowder above)

4 TBSP butter
4TBSP whole wheat flour
2c milk
salt and pepper

Melt butter in saucepan. Sprinkle in flour and stir quickly to form heavy paste. Add milk ¼ c at a time stirring so that sauce becomes smooth. Combine and stir as sauce thickens to desired consistency. Season to taste.

Cream sauce is the basis for many “Cream of…” soups we are all familiar with. You could sub in chicken stock for some of the milk and chicken and you would have “Cream of Chicken soup”


UPDATE: Cut down the butter in the chowder...I only used 1/4 of the butter called for and it was still very rich and smooth. Also you may not need all the cream sauce you can omit 1/2 c and it will be much lighter and much less fat.

Harmful Plastics

Know Your Plastics
by Dr. Alan Greene
Plastics are everywhere. Some are eco-friendly and appear to be very safe for kids. Most are made from non-renewable petroleum, much of which needs to be imported. Some plastics cause dangerous pollution during manufacturing, and some contain chemicals suspected of causing harm – especially to kids.
You might choose to replace plastic water bottles with a refillable stainless steel version, or to replace plastic toy blocks with wooden ones, plastic teething chews with organic cotton, or plastic jars with glass. Even so, you’ll probably find yourself using a lot of plastic.

To select the plastics that are best for your children and for the environment, get to know the easy-to-identify plastic recycling codes you’ll usually find on the underside of the bottle or packaging. Look for these numbers and symbols before you buy. The safer plastic choices are coded 1, 2, 4, and 5. Try to avoid 3, 6, and most plastics labeled with number 7.

Code 1: PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate). You’ll most commonly see this in the thin, clear plastic of bottled water (or bottled cooking oil, peanut butter, soda, etc.). It’s appears safe for single use, but these bottles should not be reused, refilled, or heated. This plastic can be recycled once into new secondary products, such as textiles, parking lot bumpers, or plastic lumber.

Code 2: HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This is the thicker, milkier or opaque plastic found in milk and water jugs, juice bottles, detergent, shampoo, and motor oil containers, and toys. Unlike #1, these are safe to refill and reuse, even though they may not look as snazzy as #1 or #7. Recyclable once into products similar to those for # 1 plastics.

Code 3: PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Found in bibs, mattress covers, squeeze bottles, cling wrap, some peanut butter jars, and a few other food and detergent containers. The manufacture of PVC releases dioxin into the environment, a potent carcinogen that accumulates in animals and in us. It may also contain phthalates, chemicals used, among other things, to soften plastics. Some phthalates are hormone disruptors that have been linked to possible reproductive problems and birth defects, and even to smaller penis size in boys. PVC workers have higher cancer rates. May be discarded at the recycling plant. AVOID #3!

Code 4: LDPE (low-density polyethylene). Found in soft, flexible plastics such as those used in grocery story bags, plastic wrap, dry cleaning bags, shopping bags, and garbage bags. One of the safer plastics – but recycle, don’t throw away. Many of these bags could be better replaced with reusable bags, especially when shopping.

Code 5: PP (polypropylene). Found in hard but flexible plastics, such as those used for ice cream and yogurt containers, drinking straws, syrup bottles, salad bar containers, and diapers. One of the safer plastics – but recycle, don’t throw away.

Code 6: PS (polystyrene). Found in rigid plastics such as opaque plastic spoons and forks, and in Styrofoam, such as those found in coffee cups and meat trays. These plastics can leach styrene, a known neurotoxin with other negative health effects. AVOID #6.

Code 7: Other (including polycarbonate, nylon, and acrylic). This is a grab bag symbol. It includes polycarbonate, an important source of the endocrine disruptor BPA, and found in most baby bottles. Polycarbonate is also common in 5-gallon water bottles, sports bottles, clear plastic cutlery, and in the lining of food and formula cans.

But code 7 also includes some of the newer, compostable green plastics, such as those made from corn, potatoes, rice, or tapioca. (I wish they would make a code 8 for these!) AVOID # 7, unless it is labeled as one of these new bio-based plastics.

Whatever plastics you choose, when microwaving food or drink, try to opt for glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic, where possible, and wax paper instead of plastic wrap.
This year two of the largest toy retailers have announced new guidelines to cut kids exposure to phthalates in their toys. Wal-Mart and Toys R Us (and their Babies R Us stores) have taken the lead in requiring independent third-party lab testing of each batch of toys imported to the US for sale in their stores to slash kids’ risk of being exposed from their toys. I hope more companies (and state and national governments) will take similar steps. In the meantime, Know Your Plastics!
Source: Healthy Child Healthy World
and Plastics 101 on The Softlanding.

Meal Plan Monday!

Ok this is my "week" off again. That means...cookin' time!

Monday: Corn Chowder (recipe to be posted soon) and veggies

Tues: INDIAN!!! Chicken Curry w/ lentils and veggies. Left over homemade tortillas to sub as naan bread. (this recipe is awesome!!! I will be posting it soon also)

Wed: Broiled Tilapia Parmesan (from "All Recipes.com") w/ baked acorn squash.

Thurs: Veggie tomato sauce w/ Homemade turkey meatballs over whole wheat spaghetti noodles.

Fri: Slow cooker chicken stew