Xlear SparX Candy Review

Thanks to Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com), I have the opportunity to review Xlear (pronounced "Clear") SparX candy.
I was way excited to review this product.  From the company: "Xlear, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the health benefits of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, by manufacturing all-natural, health-enhancing products. Xlear® Nasal Spray is an award-winning, patented saline and
xylitol solution; a complete line of dental health products under the Spry Dental Defense System® brand; XyloSweet®, raw xylitol crystals used as a sugar substitute in cooking, baking and general consumption; and SparX® Candy, a growing line of healthy, xylitol based candies."
My personal dentist has recommended Spry Dental products to me in the past, and xylitol in general, because xylitol helps reduce the likelihood of cavities, among other dental uses (which I will expand upon in a minute).  I loved Spry mints, so being able to try a candy from the company was something that I looked forward to tremendously.
The candy itself comes in a handy plastic tube, which is portable and functional for mamas like myself.  The candy contains natural flavors and colors, and is sweetened, as mentioned, with xylitol, a natural sweetener, so I feel good giving it to my children.  The candy is in cute little "dot" shapes, and is fun to munch and crunch.  My children thoroughly enjoyed the fruity taste, and I loved the texture of it, which reminded me of an easier to chew version of the Runts candy that I ate often as a kid--but this is so much better for me!  ;)  My husband remarked that the candy was crunchy at first, but then almost seems to melt and soften at once with chewing, which he found satisfying.
Beyond the fact that I feel good giving it to my kiddos, I like another benefit xylitol based products like this one provide.  I am on several different prescription medications for minor health issues, and I struggle with dry mouth.  Dry mouth, in addition to being a nuisance, can also lead to cavities.  My dentist recommended Spry Dental products to me because xylitol helps create saliva, which remedies the dry mouth, and these candies have been great to have around when I have the feeling like there is a sock in my mouth.
For more information, check out Xlear SparX online at: www.Xlear.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/xylitol.experts. The candy retails for $1.49 a tube and comes in Berry, Fruit, and Citrus flavors (I like the Citrus).
There is not a giveaway of this product, unfortunately.  However, due to technical difficulties, I am extending the National Geographic Super Readers giveaway until 12/12/12 at 11:59pm, so you can still enter for a chance to win a Super Readers pack for your family!

Coming Full Circle

In other entries, I have mentioned the fact that my church counsels its members to have a food storage and to be prepared for those little emergencies and crises that come up along life's path.  I have also mentioned that, in the past, before I understood the value of this advice, that I used to gleefully make fun of the women who became excited over traditional things like storing wheat or making their own bread/flour. 
I have now come full circle...in addition to the seven #10 cans of wheat that we have on our shelves, I just purchased 100 lbs. of wheat, and a few pounds of spelt and rye, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Wondermill so I can make my own whole grain flour (I'm also getting a hand operated mill for Christmas).  (To be fair, once I received the diagnosis of insulin resistance, and was told to avoid commercially processed foods and to eat more whole grains/fiber...and less carbs/sugars/fats...the idea of processing my own flour became appealing, perhaps even necessary.)
So, who's laughing now?  I stand corrected in my views.  :)

A Month of Gratitude: #1

Throughout the month, I will be posting something that I am grateful for each day in November.
Today, I am thankful for the counsel my church gives to keep a food storage and a 72 hour kit. When facing a "super storm" such as Hurricane Sandy, it was a relief to me to know that we would have food, water, and light, should we need them. The counsel is even more important to heed when you have a family that relies on you. So, today, I am grateful for my food storage and emergency preparations.

On the Fast Track...To Diabetes?

I have been having several reasonably minor, yet annoying, health issues lately, and have been in and out of doctors in an attempt to solve what has been going on.  I have been battling chronic fatigue and a general sense of just not feeling well for months now. I have had blood work and ultrasounds and everything else, and in the meantime, because it has been a fight some days to even want to get out of bed, I am now battling depression (something I am prone to).
I found out yesterday that my triglycerides, cholesterol, and sugar levels are out of whack, and that they suspect that there might be plaque or thickness or something in my arteries (I have no idea what any of this means over the phone while I was driving and using a hands free set up...need to get a copy of the lab work).  They are watching me for diabetes, saying I am "insulin resistant," and want me to change my diet and my exercise routines, allowing for less processed foods, less fat, less carbs and sugars, and more fiber/whole grains, plus exercise for 30 minutes as many times a week as I can handle.
I felt a bit of a blow to my pride--I felt like I took OK care of myself, I mean, not the best, but I have never smoked and don't drink, and we have been trying to eat a healthier diet (we have a long way to go).  But I will use this as a wake up call and as a positive opportunity to change my life for the better, and to help my whole family learn to have better habits and routines when it comes to their health.
It's still scary.  Wish me luck. 

Asheville, Days Three and Four

On Sunday morning, my friend made us yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast (they completely hit the spot...so good).  They were a great way to start out our day of traveling about 30 miles or so of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We visited the Folk Art Center (basically a visitors' center right outside of Asheville along the Parkway) before we ventured out to see the mountains.  We crossed the French Broad River and made out way through the mountains (sometimes literally, via tunnels).  The views/overlooks provided us breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains on either side, and we snapped a lot of pictures.  Being in the Appalachians is a wonderful chance to ponder simplicity and what truly matters in life.  Being out in the middle of nowhere reminds you of what truly matters.  You've left the stress behind you, and you're out in the majesty of what God has created and given you.  You reflect on your forefathers who lived in the mountains and who were the epitome of self sufficiency and provident living.
We traveled back to Asheville and lunched at Burgermeister's (a turkey reuben for hubby, and a catfish po' boy for me) before heading out with Amy and Jake (Maya was at a friend's house) to the Biltmore, the largest home in America (250 rooms and land encompassing 8,000 acres).  We didn't pay to see the house, and Amy's pass did end up being enough to get us in, so we instead went around Antler Hill Village (I believe that was the name) on the ground.  We toured the Biltmore winery and visited the on site farm to see the animals (a goat even climbed into my lap!).  Jake really enjoyed the animals, as did I, but the people around were very, um, wealthy, and it wasn't always comfortable at times.  Hubby and I dealt with one really rude man in particular who was upset because hubby "almost" touched his son with a gate.  It was a bit embarrassing.  At least it was a reminder of what I do not want to be.
At home, after the kiddos were in bed, we were able to get one on one time with Amy, just talking and watching television.  It was so nice to have time just with her to talk about things, life, whatnot.  I think that was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  It's wonderful to find people who understand you and who you can relate to.
Monday, we unfortunately had to leave (I admit, I was teary eyed, and oh, I miss Splenda the dog...she became my little pal).  We breakfasted at Waffle House, which I haven't had in YEARS, and hubby had never been to one. On the ride home, we stopped and snapped photos on the overlooks along I-26 in North Carolina and Tennessee, our last views of the mountains there for a while.  The trip home flew by.  We opted not to stop at the gorge again and just blew through, though we did meet back up with my mama and walked through the mall and lunched with her in the afternoon before heading home.
The children were thrilled to see us, which made me feel so good inside, and the animals seemed to miss us as well.  Buddy seemed to do well being at the kennel (he can be easily stressed), but Sunflower, our foster kitty, is still acting a bit nervous a day later.  She is very happy to be home.  The kids loved their Build a Bears, too.  We are unpacked and home, a bit sad that such a wonderful trip is over, but happy to see our loved ones.  We are hoping to go back to Asheville twice a year.  :)

Asheville, Days One and Two (In Words)

Our trip to Asheville, NC, in words....
You've seen some of the (many) pics we have taken during our trip.  Now, I am going to start the recap of days one and two of our first vacation in three years.
My friend Amy had invited us to visit her in Asheville, NC.  A lot of people say to come visit, but it's a casual thing.  What can I say?  She really meant it. :)  I was thrilled to see a friend from my college days and her two lovely kiddos, Maya and Jake, who are similar in age to my own little ones.
Per some recommendations, hubby and I decided to go on this trip sans kiddos, and while I missed them, I am grateful we did because the time together was very needed.  We get a lot of time together here in town, per se, but our dates consist of things like grocery shopping and errands, and we struggle with real "quality" time together, or at least coming up with ideas for it beyond dinner and movies.
We left on Friday at about ten AM.  We stopped to visit my mama at work along the way, and while there, we snagged a replacement wedding ring for hubby (she works at a jewelry store).  That was an unexpected surprise, and I am grateful we managed to get a great deal on one that fits him well.  His old ring was a bit too big, and it was made of tungsten carbide, which cannot be resized.
Along the route, we stopped at the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest span bridge in the eastern United States, famous for its scenery and bungee jumping (which we didn't do, obviously).  We have been there before, but the bridge is an engineering marvel, and since it was fall, we knew the view would be spectacular.  It did not disappoint.  The Autumn colors as we traveled onward were breathtaking.  We traveled through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee (land of Dolly Parton!) before making it to North Carolina.  One thing I noticed about the South is that there are rocking chairs at the rest areas.  It's great, and a bit hilarious.  I have loved rocking chairs since I was a child, so for me, it helps me to feel right at home.  :)
We arrived around seven thirty and did some shopping at Asheville Mall before meeting up with my friend.  She lives in the cutest two story blue house, and the homes in general in Asheville have way more charm and personality than the nearly identical ranchers that permeate my neighborhood.  I am in awe of how vastly they differ, and the various ways that their residents have made them "their own."  Once at the house, we met her daughter Maya, (baby Jake) was in bed, sat and listened while her mama read her some bedtime stories, and went to bed early.
Saturday morning, we visited some local stores with Amy and family after a breakfast of pancakes.  The stores were Second Gear, a used sporting goods shop, Small Terrain, a shop for all things urban homesteading, The Littlest Birds, a children's apparel and supplies consignment shop, and we also had lunch at Bandido's, a Latin fusion restaurant owned by Amy's friends that serves 100% locally sourced food (I had the goi rolls with plum sauce--divine). All of the stores were funky and fun, and I especially thought that the idea for Second Gear was an exceptionally good one.
In the afternoon, we did some more shopping at aforementioned mall (we bought Build-a-Bears for our kiddos...way expensive and a splurge, and I snagged some ridiculously discounted, yet comfortable hiking boots), and I went to my first REI.  (I was unimpressed with REI.  Low selection, and too expensive for our taste.)  We attempted to find the Blue Ridge Parkway, but got lost, which ended up alright in the end because we found a beautiful drive full of golden fields, lush forest, and farmland.  While not exactly mountainous, it was peaceful and lent an atmosphere of simplicity and Southern charm.  We wanted to grab some authentic Carolina BBQ once we were back in Asheville, but struck out (one place was closed, and we trekked beautiful downtown Asheville in vain looking for one place that we never found).  Instead, we went to Burgermeister's, another local place, serving burgers and sandwiches in a funky '80s-meets boudoir pics-meets '70s camp-meets an old jukebox motif (amazingly cool), and we both had the best burgers we have EVER tasted--no exaggeration.  I had a regular grass-fed beef burger with fixings and homemade potato wedges, and hubby had the bison burger with homemade potato salad, which he enjoyed.
We then came home, chilled with Splenda, Amy's ridiculously loving and well behaved black Lab, before calling it a night.
Soon will be the story of days three and four....  :)

I'm SO There....

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic states, you should consider going to the Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, Pa.  It is a HUGE event chock-full of vendors and exhibits encouraging self-reliance, a DIY attitude, organic and natural living, emergency preparedness, and so forth.  Plus, they will have amazing speakers, like Joel Salatin and the beyond inspiring Temple Grandin, animal rights activist and spokesperson for autism awareness (she is autistic herself).  (I linked the miniseries based on her life.)  I'm not able to make the fair on the day she is speaking, but if I did, I'm pretty sure I'd pass out at her feet from the exposure to sheer awesomeness and inspiration.  :)  There will be kids' activities, too, and loads of yummy, healthy food vendors and products for sale.
The fair page can be found here. 

Lean, Mean, Green Machine

Lately, I've been interested in becoming more "green." The notion of living a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing/reusing/recycling, and cherishing today's resources to ensure they will be there tomorrow, well, all of those goals are really conducive with my desire to have a simpler, less materialistic, more grounded lifestyle. However, like the famed philosopher Kermit the Frog once said, "It's not easy being green." For starters, recycling...sure, in theory it seems easy, but there's sorting all of the trash, figuring out what can be taken to the local recycling center, which only takes certain items/plastics and not others. Then, there's keeping my kids out of the bins. See, my kids view the recycling bins like they would ball pits at Chuck E. Cheese--which means I sort out the items again and again. After that, it's getting the recyclables to the center, which is a 30 minute drive, one way, from our house, with children in tow. So, needless to say, our recycling endeavors have hit a roadblock.

Then, there's the desire to buy humanely produced, organic, local foods...the hope to fulfill as many of those labels as I can when I purchase an item at the grocery store. But, there's a lot involved. Sometimes, we as consumers have no idea whether or not an animal has been humanely treated in order to give us our eggs or our milk. How do we know if a worker has adequate working/safety conditions producing our crops/coffee/what have you? A lot of organic foods cost more--a lot more. Some people don't have access to inexpensive, locally produced meats and produce. Making informed food choices is not so easy, either.
 There's SO MUCH that can be done--using less water/electricity, buying used items whenever possible, cloth diapering instead of using disposables, growing your own food, writing to congressional representatives over pertinent environmental issues close to our hearts, riding bikes or driving fuel efficient cars instead of taking big SUVs everywhere, buying fair trade coffee and chocolates and produce...as mere individuals/families, it is SO easy to get bogged down with feeling like we need to do it all. I applied to become a Mom Ambassador for Moms Meet, a group of several hundred thousand moms who meet in small, local groups to discuss eco-aspects of parenting, families, pet-raising, and the like. I so desperately want to be more "green," but I think to myself, "Ugh, I'm such a fraud. We aren't even recycling, for God's sake. I'm not green at ALL."
But, the thing is--it's not about doing it all. It's about doing the little things. Little changes add up to something majorly big. I try to buy more used items, or to donate and give away what we don't want/use anymore to compensate for the new things we buy. We are trying to make more informed choices regarding what we eat. We buy more organic foods, we're eating less dairy, I have vowed to either buy locally raised farm eggs or cage-free organic eggs from the store from now on. We make more of an effort to become more involved in our community, to appreciate the outdoors more. Doing the little things is better than nothing at all. One little thing leads to another, which leads to another, and maybe it inspires someone to make a change in their own life, which leads to MORE changes, and suddenly, one little thing turns into something BIG. Little things can change the world. Even if we're not recycling.

A Combo Entry: What We Store And How We Prep (Cereals), and Bargain-hunting For Books

This will be a two part entry because I want to keep up with the "What We Store and How We Prep" series in this blog, but I also want to explore how we can snag inexpensive books, for those of us bookworms on a budget.
One of the more "silly" things we store in our food supply is cereal.  Any parent can immediately understand why.  For the whole family, cereal is yummy, has a decent shelf-life, can be filling, and is relatively easy to stockpile, if you know what you are doing. 
Right now, we have nine boxes of cereal on hand.  Some are Cheerios, seeing as I have itty-bitty kids in the house, two are Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, some are organic granolas, organic raisin bran, and all natural, un-frosted wheat squares.  There are an additional two opened boxes of Kashi Blueberry Oat Clusters and Cheerios on the top of our fridge.
For those of you who enjoy the comfort of cereal as much as we do, here are some tricks of the trade:
1) Shop with coupons when your supermarket is having a combination sale.  For example, my store will run sales where you can get $6.00 off instantly when you buy four boxes of cereal at full price of a certain brand.  Say, it's Kellogg's this week, and each box at regular price runs $3.29.  Times that by four, and you get $13.16, minus the $6.00 off sale, and that takes it to $7.16.  Add a coupon to the mix.  Most cereal coupons give you so much off of multiple boxes, which, in this case, you are buying.  If you have a coupon for $2.00 off of three boxes, take $2.00 off of $7.16, and you just scored four boxes of your favorite brand name cereal for $5.16.  If your grocery store doesn't do this, look for some that will.
2) Warehouse clubs often have great deals on "staple" cereals, like Cheerios.  We buy the most commonly used cereals in our home this way.
3) Check scratch and dent grocery stores.  I get organic cereals at a local discount grocer for $1.75 a piece.  Even if they are a month or so past their best-by date, they are still good.
4) Bulk food stores often have plain cereals, like corn flakes and such, and even generic Lucky Charms, for bulk, but are stored in plastic bags instead of boxes.  These too can be a good deal.
5) If you like organic cereals, but not the price, sometimes, if you look diligently, stores will occasionally put them on sale if you buy multiple boxes of a brand.  These sales are worth the splurge if you are into organic food, and will often make the organic cereals competitive.  I recently caught Kashi cereals on sale for $2.00 a piece if I bought three.  That is cheaper than the generic line of non organic cereal.  But, you have to look for them.

Now, onto another subject dear to my heart.  Books.  Lately, I have been devouring all the wonderful books I can find.  I unfortunately love the splurge of a brand new book, and my bank account has taken a bit of a hit as a result.
That being said, I love used books, too, and have recently been enjoying books via my Kindle Touch as well.  You can find both for cheap or free, with work.
For your Kindle: There are many resources for FREE Kindle books.  Books on the Knob is a link that I have posted on the list to your right, and they will showcase free books worth mentioning.  Also, there are lots of lists that can be emailed directly to your email account (though I don't often have the time to look at those as much), such as EReaderIQ.  You can look under the Kindle Store (Amazon)'s Best Sellers lists, and they will have the Top 100 Best sellers for various genres of free books that you can peruse.
Hard copy books: Check out yard sales, thrift stores, and library book sales for treasures that often cost mere cents.  Today, at my local library, I bought two self help books, a book on training a household dog, and a book about the Apollo space missions--for $1 TOTAL. 

Hopefully, you've gained something from these tips.  Happy shopping!

Looking for Organic and Sustainable Food in Your Area?

Here's a nifty website that lets you find sustainable and/or organic food in your area? 
Eat Right Guide

Double Blueberry Muffins

I made these muffins this evening, and they were fantastic.  Substituted turbinado sugar in place of the cinnamon sugar.  So yummy.  Recipe from Food Network's website.  

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of the sugar and mix. Add the eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix. In a shallow bowl, mash 3/4 cup of the blueberries with the back of a fork. Add to the batter and mix.

With the mixer running at low speed, add 1/2 of the flour, then 1/2 of the milk, and mix. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Fold in the remaining 1 3/4 cups whole blueberries by hand until well mixed. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon. Use an ice-cream scoop or large spoon to fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the muffins and bake until golden brown and risen, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan at least 30 minutes before turning out.

Back to Our Roots

Lately, I have possessed a desire to really know more about what my family is eating, consuming, putting in or on their bodies, where it comes from, and how to incorporate natural medicine into our health care.  My motives are relatively simple.  For example, have you ever taken a really hard, long look at the ingredients, say, in the lotion you use on a daily basis, or that sticky-sweet candy that you're giving your kids?  I know I don't always, and even when I do, I couldn't tell you what the ingredients mean.  Propylene glycol?  What is that?  Is that something I want my children consuming?  Is that something I want inside or on my body?  Food is being recalled every day--why is it being recalled?  What are the quality controls put into place?  How is the food gathered, processed, produced?  Where does it come from?  Or, another example, why is it that I pay hundreds of dollars for the simplest things at a doctor's office--treating a cold, or a sunburn, or an earache, when I never seem to see a doctor for longer than five minutes, and, often, we're back in two weeks because such-and-such antibiotic failed to work--again. 
I am striving to know more.  I want to have more of a say as to what goes into and onto our bodies.  I want to know what these ingredients are.  I'd like to know who makes my food, who has a say in what is "safe for consumption" and what isn't.  I'd like to walk the fields where our produce is grown, or where the cows are fed who provide our meat and our milk.  I'd like to know that I have the knowledge to treat minor health issues with natural or home remedies.  I'd like to buy foods that contain as little additives and chemicals as possible. 
So, I'm pursuing these questions and goals.  I am learning to navigate the natural and organic sections of our supermarkets--buying all natural or organic foods, cleaners, or beauty/bath products when it is feasible (oh, how I am addicted to agave nectar).  We love buying local produce and meats when possible.  I am researching what is in our food, and who says that it is acceptable.  I am discovering that I have the ability to treat certain health issues myself and naturally. 
There's so much to learn, and I'll never be able to live a 100% organic, natural lifestyle.  Some health issues absolutely require medical intervention--many do, in fact.  It's not possible to eat and use 100% natural and organic products all of the time, nor, do I want to (this mother has a mass market frozen pizza planned for dinner tonight because I am feeling lazy).  Sometimes, I need to buy my meat or my fruits and veggies at a traditional store.  There will be more things in my house with ingredients that I don't know than those where I do.  The goal isn't 100%.  The goal is KNOWLEDGE.  The goal is freedom from reliance on mass produced goods and medical treatment when possible.  The goal is having more say as to what we eat, consume, and use.  A goal of getting back to our roots, relying on Mother Nature's wisdom when I am able.

Smooth-ie Operator

I have never been one to jump on the smoothie bandwagon.  I never quite saw the appeal of pureed fruit as a drink because, to me, it lacked flavor, body, substance, something....
And then I discovered, on a whim, that, duh!  I can make my own!
Armed with my blender and food processor, and a boatload of fresh fruit, I've discovered the art of making custom, portable breakfasts, built around whatever I need for the day--peanut butter for energy, bananas to ease a queasy stomach, strawberries just because....  I'm overjoyed with the endless possibilities.
I used milk as a base in my smoothies, but I felt that it lacked something.  We have been keeping half and half lately because we have been on a homemade ice cream kick lately, and I tried that instead of using milk--divine.  As far as sweeteners go, I far prefer agave nectar over honey or sugar or other options.
What do you like in your smoothies?

Strawberries Galore!

I know it's technically "Wordless Wednesday," but I have to share some recipes from our trip to the local farm to snag lots of yummy strawberries.  Two recipes are included.

First "recipe":   My semester is drawing to a close, so I went to my mother-in-law's house to finish my grading in peace. She went with me earlier today to the farm to get strawberries. While I was grading mountains of papers, she came in with three bowls--one with strawberries, one with sour cream, and the other with brown sugar. I was told to dip a strawberry in the sour cream, and then roll it in brown sugar. Why didn't I know this my whole life? Absolute heaven.
Second recipe: This is the freezer jam I made earlier today (pictured in my previous entry).

Homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam (from Sure Jell Pectin)

2 cups crushed strawberries (buy 1 qt. fully ripe strawberries)

4 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl

3/4 cup water

1 box SURE-JELL Fruit Pectin

step 1 RINSE 5 (1-cup) plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly. Stem and crush strawberries thoroughly, 1 cup at a time. Measure exactly 2 cups prepared fruit into large bowl. Stir in sugar. Let stand 10 min., stirring occasionally.

step 2 MIX water and pectin in small saucepan. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring 1 min. Add to fruit mixture; stir 3 min. or until sugar is almost dissolved. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)

step 3 FILL all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or in freezer up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

Wordless Wednesday

Homemade Rice Cereal for Little Ones

Thanks to the wonder of my little Ninja chopper and my large Ninja Kitchen System, I virtually have no excuse NOT to make homemade baby food, at least some of the time.  I do buy jarred baby food a lot, thanks to a local grocer who sells it at 25 cents a jar, but homemade is still so much healthier for baby.  I had all of these goals with Goob to make his baby food, but simply didn't do it, partially due to laziness, and partially due to the fact that he had a lot of digestive issues which limited what we *could* feed him.
However, Bean loves to eat, and eats well, so I have the opportunity to enjoy feeding her and watching her experience new foods.
Rice cereal is one of those classic baby food staples, and we have many, many boxes of Gerber rice cereal in our food storage.  That being said, we also keep a fair amount of rice in our storage as well, and I'm eager to try the following recipe, which I found in a 1978 edition of Feed Me, I'm Yours, by Vicki Lansky.

Homemade Hot Rice Cereal

Grind several cups of raw brown rice to a fine powder in a blender.  Store in a tightly covered container.
1/2 cup of the rice powder (as made above)
2 cups of milk
dash of salt
In a small saucepan, bring milk and salt just to the boiling point.  Add the rice powder and stir constantly.  Lower heat, cover pan, and simmer for 8-10 minutes.  Serve with additions like fruits and veggies, if you want to.

NOTE: While brown rice is preferable because white rice loses nutritional value during processing, white rice is still usable.  I'd probably just add a fruit or veggie to it to add some nutrients.

Suddenly, I'm No Longer Hungry...

Goob and I were sharing a bowl of Turkey Hill's Salty Caramel ice cream. We were attempting to take turns, but he was more than anxious waiting for his turn to come. As I was getting ready to take a bite, he coughed, and as every little kid does, he didn't cover his mouth, and all the spittle landed into the ice cream. Inevitably, it became his ice cream.
Well played, son.
Well played.

Love for Local Business

I am so blessed to live in an area where we are surrounded by friendly, accomodating, and budget-friendly local business who market to those who are striving to maintain a self-reliant, provident, and sustainable lifestyle.  This is one of the many advantages of living in a more rural community/region. 
I stopped at two of my favorites today.  The first is one of many Mennonite-run bulk food stores (which also has a wonderfully fantabulous bakery).  I picked up some homemade rolls (heaven on earth, they are), and I also purchased locally made maple mustard (which is divine on pretzels). 
The second is a "scratch and dent" discount grocery store.  The service is so courteous and helpful (they even take your groceries to the car for you--who does that anymore?).  Today was "Frozen Food Wednesday."  While there, I bought 5 pounds of pulled beef, 3 pounds Sysco-produced chicken tenders, 4 lbs. of Wendy's chicken nuggets, 4 lbs. Burger King chicken strips, 5 lbs. Burger King onion rings, 3 bags sweet potato fries, and 8 pork sirloin steaks at 8 ounces each (64 ounces total/4 lbs.)...about 28 pounds of frozen food, and a case of the cutest mini Heinz ketchup bottles (8.7 lbs.) for, get this, $55.  My freezer is FULL.  Before you think, "Holy cow, that's a lot of unhealthy food," while I know some of it was produced by fast food chains and sold to this little grocer, think about it--these are fast food items that are usually cooked in a deep fryer that is loaded with grease, which leaves the food loaded with grease.  Whereas, I can take these home and bake them as a somewhat healthier alternative.  Could be worse, right?  And, when I feel the need to go out to eat fast food....
I encourage you to peruse your own area for wonderful local business that sell whatever you might need--be it pet supplies, food items, emergency preparedness equipment, locally grown produce, whatever.  I also want to encourage myself to work harder to move away from shopping at big box stores so often, and to instead develop a preference for buying from small businesses, when pratical and feasible.  

Update on My Two Week Eat-Out Fast

OK, I have to admit, I broke my eat out fast...slightly.  I really, really wanted to try McDonald's strawberry creme pies before they stopped carrying them, so, as part of a date night, the hubby and I spent a whopping $2.56 on two pies and a large Sprite.
So, did I break my eat-out fast for the two weeks?  Technically speaking, yes.  But, in discussion, we decided that we *are* going to eliminate eating out "just because," and will instead use it only for special occasions, or out of town trips, or when we're spending time with family or friends.  That being said, although I did purchase the pies, I plan on still avoiding eating out as much as possible, and feel capable of doing so.  Although I wanted to try the pies, I am finding that I am not as tempted to eat out as I was even a week ago, and that I am looking forward to homemade food more and more.  In some ways, I feel like a weight is off of my shoulders...it's one less expense to worry about, and it's entirely in my control.  I like that. 

Update to My Previous Post

In an effort to squelch my eating-out addiction, I am going to attempt to go two full weeks without a single fast food indulgence, or a restaurant stop, etc. This starts tomorrow, the 18th. Wish me luck!