All purpose cleaner
4C 1C hot water
2T 1/2T soda
1/4C 1/16C vinegar
Few drops essential oil
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Comfort Meatloaf (for my love)
Comfort Meatloaf.
This one is similar enough to my mother-in-law's, which is Dan's favorite comfort food. Kiddos will not be helping with this one--Big girl is recovering from being sick and Little girl is making beautiful art... it's blissfully quiet! :-)
| MOM'S MEATLOAF | |
2 lbs. hamburger meat
1 tsp. salt 1 med. onion 1 cup milk 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. pepper 1 cup bread crumbs 1/3 cup ketchup
Mix all ingredients together and shape into a loaf. Place in a loaf pan and bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Thanks to Cooks.com!
(Full recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1927,139164-233201,00.html)
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Seven Silly Eaters Bread
This year, Maggie and I decided to give her teachers the book The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Marla Frazee with a "matching" quick bread. We will also the breads to the specials teachers, without the book. Ella's preschool teacher gets a copy of the book, and all three teachers in the room will get the bread.
In the story, each of the seven children has a specific favorite food. In the end (after much hilarity for the children and sleep deprivation for the mama), they combine their favorite foods and eat the result all the time. The recipe is a combination of this Apple Oatmeal bread and this Maraschino Cherry Loaf. The special ingredients that had to be represented are: milk, pink lemonade (cherries made it pink), applesauce, oatmeal, bread, and eggs. Here's hoping it freezes well!
It's a work in progress so I'm going to keep messing with it until it seems good. The first batch resembled corn bread in texture. But it's pink! :-) And too sweet... will reduce sugar.
Seven Silly Eaters' Quick Bread
1 1/2 C flour
1 C rolled oats
3 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2/3 C sugar (needs less--will try 1/4 to 1/2 C next time)
2 eggs
1 16-oz jar maraschino cherries, blended (I'd de-stem them first if I were you)
2 T milk
3 T oil
1 small grated apple
Mix dry team. Add wet team. Stir to combine. Distribute among four sprayed mini loaf pans. Bake at 350F for 35-45 min. It's Ella-approved! Maggie will try it after school. :-)
In the story, each of the seven children has a specific favorite food. In the end (after much hilarity for the children and sleep deprivation for the mama), they combine their favorite foods and eat the result all the time. The recipe is a combination of this Apple Oatmeal bread and this Maraschino Cherry Loaf. The special ingredients that had to be represented are: milk, pink lemonade (cherries made it pink), applesauce, oatmeal, bread, and eggs. Here's hoping it freezes well!
It's a work in progress so I'm going to keep messing with it until it seems good. The first batch resembled corn bread in texture. But it's pink! :-) And too sweet... will reduce sugar.
Seven Silly Eaters' Quick Bread
1 1/2 C flour
1 C rolled oats
3 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2/3 C sugar (needs less--will try 1/4 to 1/2 C next time)
2 eggs
1 16-oz jar maraschino cherries, blended (I'd de-stem them first if I were you)
2 T milk
3 T oil
1 small grated apple
Mix dry team. Add wet team. Stir to combine. Distribute among four sprayed mini loaf pans. Bake at 350F for 35-45 min. It's Ella-approved! Maggie will try it after school. :-)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Bragging time...
Maggie did a science experiment on her gerbils. Pics to come. Here is the article from The Reminder. Her friends did an awesome job, too!
http://www.remindernews.com/article/2012/11/15/inquiring-minds-show-their-stuff-at-lebanon-science-fair
By Melanie Savage - Staff Writer
http://www.remindernews.com/article/2012/11/15/inquiring-minds-show-their-stuff-at-lebanon-science-fair
Inquiring minds show their stuff at Lebanon science fair
By Melanie Savage - Staff Writer
Lebanon - posted Fri., Nov. 16, 2012
Abigael Bell speaks to a visitor about her project, which involved the use of household substances to break down poison ivy oils. Photos by Melanie Savage.
Ever forget to pack a swim diaper for a day at the water park? The modern disposable diaper can hold a whole lot of fluid. But which brand is the most absorbent? This is the question that Lebanon Elementary School fourth-grader Rylan Colbourne Grant set out to answer for this year’s fall science fair at his school. Judging by a photo included with his display, his scientific method included hanging a number of sodden diapers from a dowel suspended above the countertop in his kitchen. “I wanted to see which one would leak first,” he explained. Turns out, he found that Luvs were the most absorbent.
Colbourne Grant was among 34 fourth-graders sharing their scientific discoveries with parents, friends and siblings at the school the afternoon of Nov. 14. Typically, animals prompted a fair number of queries. Such was the case for Adam Martell, who set out to answer the question: Which is the most venomous snake in the world? His display included a video, displayed on his mom’s iPhone, of himself catching a harmless blacksnake. Martell informed his visitors that there are two varieties of venomous snake in Connecticut – the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. “I actually got to help tag a rattlesnake once,” he said. “I’ve been interested in snakes since I was about 3.” Martell said that his interest was piqued by watching “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin on television. So which snake is the most venomous? There are two that are tied for that distinction, according to Martell – the Australian eastern brown snake and the Belcher’s sea snake.
Maggie King was inspired by a less deadly, more cuddly creature. Her gerbils, Squiggles and Wriggles, like to run around the family’s house in their rodent exercise balls. King wondered whether her pets would be deterred if their balls were opaque rather than translucent. So she covered a ball with a coat of red paint to eliminate visibility. The results were surprising. “I thought they’d run faster in a clear ball, but they didn’t,” said King. Both Squiggles and Wriggles seemed to run faster and farther in the ball with the reduced visibility. “I was surprised,” said King.
Nick Longworthy was also inspired by his pets. Eastern painted turtles Speedy and Snappy have been members of the Longworthy household for five years or so. The fourth-grader got to wondering which type of food his pets preferred. When allowed free choice between krill, shrimp and Repto Sticks, the reptiles exhibited their individual preferences. Turns out Speedy is a sucker for Repto Sticks. Snappy, on the other hand, “really likes krill,” said Longworthy.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
39 Things Every Mom Should Know
I tore this out of the September 2009 issue of Parents magazine. At the time, I had an 18-month old making the house crazy, and a 6-year-old keeping it sweet. It's all still relevant!
1. You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed restaurants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.
2. Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.
3. Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing. (That said, I did indeed to dishes during every single nap. But now they can play together while I tidy up!)
4. Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?
5. If the kids are awake, bit the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
6. Just throw away the poopy underwear.
7. Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
8. Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping--you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge the parents too harshly--it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of potty training, all bets are off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)
9. Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
10. Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.
11. Embrace their quirks.
12. Know this: that stain won't come out. And it's ok. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
13. At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It's the circle of life, baby.
14. Always get boys' haircuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.
15. Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?
16. Never stifle a generous inclination.
17. Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.
18. Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
19. If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
20. I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior, but sometimes it's hard to think of natural consequences In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but you must find your own.
21. Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.
22. Buy kids deoderant before they need it.
23. Teach their children to make their own breakfast--and allow enough time so they can do it without pressure.
24. I can't stress this enough: use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their beds.
25. Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
26. Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
27. Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
28. Do not allow the word "wienies" in your home.
29. Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
30. Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at a diner.
31. It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
I would add 31a. Arrange for your kids to overhear you brag about them.
32. Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.
33. Just say "no" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.
34. Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?
35. Don't buy the most expensive school-picutre package. It's a waste of money. (But do get at least the class picture and some wallets. There's just something about that "school picture look" that will call you back to their school years once they've passed. Plus you can embarrass their high school friends with Kindergarten photos.)
36. Give out awards for actual achievements.
37. You're never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.
38. If the school year, new babysitter, or karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the improvement that can be made by the end of the year.
39. Independence is a wonderful thing For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
Thanks so much to Kacy Faulconer!
1. You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed restaurants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.
2. Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.
3. Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing. (That said, I did indeed to dishes during every single nap. But now they can play together while I tidy up!)
4. Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?
5. If the kids are awake, bit the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
6. Just throw away the poopy underwear.
7. Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
8. Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping--you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge the parents too harshly--it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of potty training, all bets are off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)
9. Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
10. Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.
11. Embrace their quirks.
12. Know this: that stain won't come out. And it's ok. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
13. At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It's the circle of life, baby.
14. Always get boys' haircuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.
15. Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?
16. Never stifle a generous inclination.
17. Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.
18. Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
19. If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
20. I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior, but sometimes it's hard to think of natural consequences In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but you must find your own.
21. Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.
22. Buy kids deoderant before they need it.
23. Teach their children to make their own breakfast--and allow enough time so they can do it without pressure.
24. I can't stress this enough: use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their beds.
25. Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
26. Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
27. Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
28. Do not allow the word "wienies" in your home.
29. Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
30. Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at a diner.
31. It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
I would add 31a. Arrange for your kids to overhear you brag about them.
32. Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.
33. Just say "no" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.
34. Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?
35. Don't buy the most expensive school-picutre package. It's a waste of money. (But do get at least the class picture and some wallets. There's just something about that "school picture look" that will call you back to their school years once they've passed. Plus you can embarrass their high school friends with Kindergarten photos.)
36. Give out awards for actual achievements.
37. You're never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.
38. If the school year, new babysitter, or karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the improvement that can be made by the end of the year.
39. Independence is a wonderful thing For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
Thanks so much to Kacy Faulconer!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hurricane Pie (Crustless pumpkin pie)
So, we are going to try to make crustless pumpkin pie today, before Sandy takes away our power. (We do have a gas stove, but I'm not sure how to get it lit w/o power. It seems that throwing a match indiscriminately down to the bottom of the oven might not be the best method.) I have ONE crust in the fridge, and a 29 oz. can makes TWO pies. If you google "pumpkin pie no crust" you get lots of hits. Here was one with pretty favorable reviews.
Thanks to Cooks.com!
photo courtesy of Maggie, when she was 7
| NO CRUST PUMPKIN PIE | |
3 eggs
1 c. sugar 1 c. milk 4 tbsp. flour 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spices
This will make its own crust. Pour in pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Very good. Serve with whipped cream.
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