What I really want for Mothers Day

It's almost here, that wonderful day where we as mothers are forced to spend time with our kids and vice versa.... Mothers Day. Yeah, more time with my kids!

This Mothers Day I've lucked out some what and at least got rid of my husband, or third child I should say. He's been reliving his 20 something's in Vegas at a Bachelor party this weekend and I actually couldn't be happier. See, this Mothers Day I intend on doing absolutely nothing! That's right. I will proudly plug my kids into a video game (dont judge) and enjoy the awesome weather out on the back patio with a drink in my hand. As I see it, this is a win win for all involved. My kids will think I'm great for letting them play video games and I get to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Why is it that every other Mothers Day seems to be more work for ME and a good excuse for brunch or bbq for everyone else. There is nothing like cleaning the house, getting ready, and preparing food for a crowd all well still chasing the kids around to celebrate this glorious job we call motherhood. What do we get in return? A maccaroni necklace, flowers that will inevitably die by the end of the week, and a cheesy card.

Sure that may sound a bit unappreciative, but don't act like you've never thought about how nice it would be to spend the day NOT being a mom. Think of it like Labor Day, shouldn't you be getting the day off?

I know some of you are fortunate and get your day at the spa and all, but I'm not much of spa kinda girl. I'm not looking to be waited on and pampered. I'm thinking more of an evening at a nice hotel...ALONE. I would wear the big fluffy white robe, rent a couple chick flicks, order champagne and room service, maybe read a book, pee in the bathroom without an audience, and of course sleep or at least lay in bed as long as I damn well please. Now that's what I call Mothers Day!

A girl can dream right?

I'm Back!

It's been almost a year since my last post, but I'm happy to say, "I'm back!" I'm also very excited about my new business venture (more about that soon). Keep checking back, because as I work my way back into the flow of things, I've got a couple great giveaways to announce. However, this is that crazy time of year with both boys are heading into their last couple weeks of school so be patient. Hell, I'm still working on figuring out all this blogging stuff too, which for a computer illiterate person like myself, this could be interesting. Wish me luck!

Allergen's in My Apple Juice?!

We usually buy our apple juice fresh from a local Orchard at the Farmer's Market, but earlier this week I ran out. So, when I came across a cold pressed 100% (1 ingredient) Apple Juice at Fresh & Easy yesterday I decided to give it a try since the Farmer's Market isn't until Sunday.

I glanced at the label to make sure there was indeed only 1 ingredient and put the juice in my  basket. It never even crossed my mind to check for an advisory label on apple juice yet, lo and behold, there it was....



...."Made in a facility that also handles Milk, Tree Nuts, Soy."  Thankfully I just happened to notice the advisory label while opening the bottle.

I really should know better by now to not assume or trust that anything is safe. Check out this box of cornstarch. I even found potatoes before with an advisory label reading, "May Contain Tree Nuts". You can never be too careful!



Our "Attempt" at Homemade Butter

After our homemade Ice Cream in a Baggie success I was feeling pretty domestic and thought I would give homemade butter a go. After all how hard could it be? I think we did this in elementary school.

Looks simple right?

I had some half & half in the fridge that needed to be used so the idea sounded genius. I filled a small mason jar about half way with the half & half, added a marble, put on the lid and shook...... and shook..... and shook some more. I passed the jar around to each of the boys and we all took turns doing laps around the kitchen shaking with anticipation which soon turned to doubt. The kids were over it, all of our arms were burning and we had no butter. I even made one last ditch effort and dumped the jar of half & half into the mixing bowl and put my mixer to work for a good 10 minutes. Still nothing.

Well come to find out, you can't make butter with half & half stupid! Heavy Cream is the magic ingredient. Duh! I did get something out this experience though..... A damn good arm work out!

Ice Cream in a Baggie - A Pinterest Summer Success!

In an attempt to keep my kids busy this summer I have become a Pinterest addict. I have found so many creative activities to keep them entertained and happy. One pin I was excited to try was this homemade ice cream in a baggie.

My kids love ice cream and Ive always wanted to make our own, but don't own an ice cream maker so this was perfect!

Here's what you need:

• 1 cup half & half
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup course salt
• 1 gallon-sized Ziploc bag
• 1 pint-sized Ziploc bag (I just used a sandwich bag since that's all I had)
• ice
• fresh fruit (optional)

Mix the half & half, sugar and vanilla together and pour into pint-sized Ziploc. Make sure the Ziploc is completely sealed.

Fill the gallon-sized Ziploc half way with ice and add salt.

Next, put the baggie with the half & half mixture inside the bag of ice and salt; seal.

Now shake like crazy for at least 5 minutes or until cream sets.

We took turns running around the backyard shaking our ice cream.

 Once the cream sets, quickly run the sealed pint-sized bag under cold water to remove the salt.

Open and enjoy quickly! Our ice cream melted pretty fast. I suppose we could have shook it a little longer, but patience were wearing thin and our hands were freezing! The ice cream was really good though. We added strawberries before digging in for a little extra fun.

  (I suggest making a baggie for each kiddo if your making it for more then one)

A Wicker Redo

My poor wicker chair has been in some serious need of a little tlc. I bought it probably 10 years ago at Ikea and it has somehow managed to find a place in our last 3 homes. However, it has been kicked outside at our current house where the weather has really taken its toll on the poor thing.
In fact, it was looking so pathetic that I almost threw it away. Then my husband, of all people, suggested a new coat of paint. Duh! Why didn't I think of that?

Two cans of yellow spray paint ( It really could have used three), a new bright red cushion I found on sale for six bucks at Target and we have a new wicker chair to atleast get us through the summer. Best of all, someone may actually sit on it now. Lord knows we can always use the additional outdoor seating.

Amazing Nut-Free Granola

I don't mean to brag or anything, but I'm going too; I make the best damn granola ever! It's true. My husband agrees it's the best granola he's ever had and to top it off, it's Nut-Free.

Now anyone with a peanut or tree nut allergy knows how difficult it is to find not only a safe granola, but a good granola. Well, look no further cause you just found it.

Amazing Nut-Free Granola

*You will need:

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut
• 3/4 cups GERBS peanut/tree nut free Raw Sunflower Seed Kernels
• 3/4 cups GERBS peanut/tree nut free Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels
• 1 cup craisons
• 1/2 cup dried apricots; chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* If you are making nut-free, always read package ingredient list carefully and check for advisory labels.

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

Mix oats, coconut, seeds, craisons, apricots, spices and flaxseed together in a large mixing bowl.

Heat butter and honey together over low heat in a small saucepan till butter is completely melted. Stir in vanilla.

Pour butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.

Spread mixture evenly onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 1hr 15min.

Allow to cool completely. Granola will still be soft when you first remove it from the oven, but will become crisp as it cools.

Once cooled, break into desired size chunks and store in an air tight container for up to  two weeks.

Recipe adapted from 100 Days of Real Food