the urge is there

Okay So I do believe I have the desire to make a healthier change soon. That is, in my bread choice. Why not homemade? Its healthier and tastes better...besides...a picture like this should be enough to tip the scale.


do you have the desire too..click here


yeah, its pretty much one of my new fav sites :0)

ashley
[post, post]

Makes one 2-lb. loaf

2 1/2 cups (11.25 oz) unbleached high-gluten or bread flour1 1/2 cups (6.75 oz.) whole-wheat flour1 1/2 tablespoons (.75 oz.) granulated sugar or honey1 1/2 teaspoons (.38 oz.) salt3 tablespoons (1 oz.) powdered milk*1 1/2 teaspoons (.17 oz.) instant yeast2 tablespoons (1 oz.) shortening or unsalted butter, at room temperature1 1/4 cups (10 oz.) water, at room temperature



1. Stir together the high-gluten flour, whole-wheat flour, sugar (if using), salt, powdered milk, and yeast in a 4-quart mixing bowl (or in the bowl of an electric mixer). Add the shortening, honey (if using), and water. Stir (or mix on low speed with the paddle attachment) until the ingredients form a ball. If there is still flour in the bottom of the bowl, dribble in additional water. The dough should feel soft and supple. It is better for it to be a little too soft that to be too stiff and tough.
2. Sprinkle high-gluten or whole-wheat flour on the counter, and transfer the dough to the counter, and begin kneading (or mix on medium speed with the dough hook). Add more flour if needed to make a firm, supple dough that is slightly tacky but not sticky. Kneading should take about 10 minutes (6 minutes by machine). The dough should pass the windowpane test and registers 77 to 81 degrees F. Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
3. Ferment at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl and press it by hand into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 8 to 10 inches long. Form it into a loaf by working from the short side of the dough, rolling up the length of the dough one section at a time, pinching the crease with each rotation to strengthen the surface tension. It will spread wider as you roll it. Pinch the final seam closed with the back edge of your hand or with your thumbs. Place the loaf in a lightly oiled 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch bread pan; the ends of the loaf should touch the ends of the pan to ensure an even rise. Mist the top with spray oil and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
5. Proof at room temperature for approximately 60 to 90 minutes (as in, original recipe says 90 minutes, I walked into the kitchen at 60 and said “whoa!” as it had almost risen too much; clearly final rising times vary), or until the dough crests above the lip of the pan.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F with the oven rack on the middle shelf.
7. Place the bread pan on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes. Rotate the pan 180 degrees for even baking and continue baking for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the oven. The finished loaf should register 190 degrees F in the center, be golden brown on the top and the sides, and sound hollow when thumped on the bottom.
8. When the bread is finished baking, remove it immediately from the loaf pan and cool it on a rack for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours (yeah, good luck with that), before slicing or serving.

Cilantro Lime Salsa

Apparently this stuff is to die for. But it sounded good to me...so perhaps someday I'll gear up the courage(more like toss out the lazy and input determine) to make it.

All you need:

1 Can Yellow corn
1/2 can black beans
Juice of 3 limes
1/2 lrg bunch cilantro(???yr best guess is as good as mine)

All you do:
Mix...then enjoy with chips, or tacos, or burros.

Sounds easy enough. :0) P.s. I think adding a 1/2 cup cubbed alvacodo to the mix would be the cherry on top. Nummmy yum yum!

ashley

"Diaper go down the hole!"

...As the baby duck would say on Animaniacs. Gotta love that show!


I tell ya I sure wish is was that easy hypothetically to drown the diaper routine and magically Lelu would appear to understand the concept of the toilet. Hmmmm...if only , if only.

Well how does one know its time to train? Heres what Parent's Mag had to say about that.


Watch for these six signs/reasons to start:

1. your child shows an interest in the potty process. For instance, she follows you into the bathroom or wants to flush.



2. She tells you when she's about to poo or pee or you can see from her squatting, grunts, or facial expressions that she's about to go.



3. He wants to be changed after pooping.



4. She's not constipated.



5. You have a reasonable amount of time and energy to devote to this intensive, sometimes frustrating process.



6. There aren't any major events going on in the family, such as a new baby or recent move.
   

(girls typically are ready to start around 2 1/2 yrs -3.) But I can always start now I mean c'mon, you really think back in clothe days they waited till the kiddo was 3!!! ha ha, cha right! It can be done!

Heres what mama's gotta do now:

• "Explain the bathroom routine in positive, child friendly terms.



• Be a role model



• Pretend that her doll or stuffed friend is using the potty.



• Practice sitting on it.
  

3 Techniques that WORK:

• "your Child sets the pace": Wait for your child to show signs of readiness(18-30+ months) and then slowly introduce the potty. If he's not interested, back off for a few weeks. Don't pressure your child, and offer lots of praise along the way.



• "Naked and $75": When your child is between 20 - 30 months, hang around the house for about a week let him go naked from the waist down. Have a potty chair nearby at all times. They tend to get uncomfortable feeling of something running down their legs...therefore making him want to use the potty next time. The $75 is for the carpet cleaning bill.



• "Toilet Train in One Day": There are many takes on this, but here's the general idea: Once your child seems ready just pick a day to give her lots of salty snacks and fluids, so she has to keep going to the bathroom. Frequently sit her on the potty and give her a reward when she has success.

The essentials: Potty chair, step stool, training underpants, easy-up/easy-down clothes, fun underwear, flush able wipes(just easier for everyone involved).

((((((((Experts' tips))))))))))

~"Put a pull-on diaper over her underwear for naps or big public outings. If theres an accident, she'll still feel the wetness and you won't have a puddle to clean up."

~"to make sure your child uses the perfect amount of toilet paper, teach her to count out four squares when it's time to wipe."

Helpful movie to educate in a tasteful and gentle viewing for your toddler:

Go Potty go!Potty learning for tiny toddlers or you can always try to find a better buy here or here.

Fruit anyone?

Oh how I wish I had this.

someday, ashley, someday...

$40

Antique White Pedestal Fruit Bowl

surlatable.com

Praise: the right way

Toddlers, particulary when they are learning to talk, is a good time for you to practice by praising them correctly when they do something.

So lets Makeover that Praise.

When you say... "Good Girl!" It means... Nothing much

Instead, say..." I noticed that you said please and thank you at grandma's. You've really been working on your manners."

"Focus on her effort instead of the result and avoid generaliztions("good girl") Be specific in your comments so that [the/your] child understands exactly what it is that she did well."

(Courtesty of Parent's mag -Brag Proof your child-Nov 2007)

If you want things done right...

You can do it yourself! Need to make darling invites now or for future use? Here is an awesome website I found...way cute designs!

http://www.mountaincow.com/

Quiche(Basic)

All you need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
4 eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
8 ounces Gruyere, grated
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 store-bought frozen piecrust in a tin

~Directions~

Heat oven to 375° F. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Cover and cook until the onions are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the parsley and cook, covered, for 2 minutes more.
Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Stir in the Gruyère, nutmeg, the remaining salt and pepper, and the onion mixture.
Place the piecrust on a foil-lined baking sheet. Scrape the egg mixture into the piecrust; it will be very full. Bake until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

(courtesy of: Real Simple Mag-Kate Merker)

Last Minute Lasagna

Last-Minute Lasagna

this is easy-shmeasy :0)

Need:

1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
2 30-ounce bags frozen large cheese ravioli, unthawed
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water
1 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

~Directions~

Heat oven to 350° F. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spoon in a third of the sauce.

Arrange 12 ravioli on top and scatter the spinach over them. Top with half of each cheese. Cover with another layer of ravioli and the remaining sauce and cheese.

Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more or until bubbly.

Servings Per Recipe 6
Amount Per Serving:
Calcium 507mg
Calories 385
Calories From Fat 0%
Carbohydrate 35g
Cholesterol 56mg
Fat 17g
Fiber 4g
Iron 3mg
Protein 22mg
Sat Fat 8g
Sodium 1183mg

(courtesy: Real simple Mag)

Go figure: continued...

I am also concidered a rectangle...translation: stick figure, strait up and down,a board. Okay maybe i have some slight curves but not enough anyhow.

Rectangles choose styles and fit snugly at the middle but flare out at the bottom(skirt or pants)

• boot cut pants
• fitted jacket(blazer-like)
• Feminine top-Ruffles and wispy sleeves
• Flared skirt

Fit as a fiddle and ready to go

One of my annoying piano practice warm ups. Ugh, i always dreaded to hear those words let alone to warm up my fingers..."lets just Play already"(i'd think).

As to where I am going with this...I found some helpful quick and easy ways to simply get a little exercise into my daily routines with out throwing them off.

One I found helpful and exhilarating was to Exercise in quick spurts

" A study has found that ppl who did just four to six 30 sec sprints reaped the same heart-health benefits as those who logged a moderate 40-60 minute workout."

Get your heart pumping simple steps

• jump rope for 3 minutes


• sprint to and from the mailbox three times(ignore the curious looks & remember just do what you can do)

Thanks a bunch

Thank you cards

as a mommy this is something i need to instill:

Its for for children to write good o'l fashion thank you cards. Sending a card after recieving a gift is not good manners alone...it gives the chance for the kiddo to reflect on how thoughtful the present was and the like from the giver.

tip: One way to make this a learning experience -instead of a chore- is to talk about why he needs to send them a card. Chances are, he'll realize that is makes them happy-and this awareness of others feelings is critical ro taising a moral child.

---and try hard to send it within a few days of receiving the gift...just remember ...be sincere.

If you're kiddo can write...great!...let em' do it themselves. mistakes make it original and true. Be sure to mention the gift and how much she's enjoying it.

***things to have***
note cards or colorful paper
crayons- markers- color pencils
paints-and paint brushes
stickers
decorative stamps-washable ink
glitter
glue
envelopes and stamps




(curtesty of Parents Mag Nov 07)

Handy dandies

Toy "pop bin" from Loomlife.com


$48L-$28s





Divide-ity
good gift for new comers:


Separate the clothing in size and age.

$10 (set of 6)

oreoriginals.com


Handsqueakers:
Alimrose Designs
shop via amazon.com





Little bubba's love em'! (0-12mo)
great gifts $16
probably more to come...

aezra

remind me again

I need remember:

for my children that after a year when they start drinking cow's milk they only need a total of 16oz of milk a day. If they are thirsty for more, give em water. Kids who drink too much milk often lose their appetite for food and are also prone to constipation and iron deficiency or even anemia.

ashley

(picture by: http://www.meals4kids.org/gfx/contact.jpg)

Things you don't wanna know but Must!

Places of acutely HIGH GERM content: (MUST READ)


the playground/playplace
Ball pits
Water drinking fountains
Petting Zoo
Shopping Cart Handles
Children's Museums
Public High Chair
Computer Keyboards
Pets

Rule number 1: Never touch the mucus membrane entries such as Mouth, Nose, or Eyes.
now we may continue.


Playplace: your average jungle gym is likely to be more germ-INFESTED than a public bathroom. Depends on how often it gets sanitized.

How to stay safe: Just make known to thyself and loved ones(hehe) never to touch the mouth, nose or eyes before, during, and after. Clean your hands before you leave. (hand sanitizer-soap /water, etc)

Ball Pits: Best to steer clear indefinitely.

How to stay safe: But if you are willing to chance it; remember rule number 1. And wash thy hands before entering and exiting "The Pit"!!!


Pediatrics waiting room: is a "virtual petri dish" for germs.

-how to stay safe: wash thy hands before and after your visit, take along thy own toys and reading materials.

Water Fountains: a typical fountain contains more harmful germs than a public toilet seat b/c kids tend to touch the spigot either with fingers or mouth passing germs onto the next who takes a harmless sip. Cold and flu viruses can live on the metal for up to five hours! yikes!

-how to stay safe: Dont drink! nah, just kidding ya. Well remember and tell kids(etc) to keep his lips and fingers off AND to let the water run for a few seconds before drinking. Helps keep those mean nasty organisms away!

Petting Zoo: are linked to major E. coli outbreaks recently. Reason being that animals dont care where they lie down which in turn could mean traces of feces from the fur or saliva can get onto the hands. Eew!

How to stay safe: Lets just say Don't take kids under 3 years old or if you do don't let them touch, just look. Engage rule number one. Remember to wash your hands afterward and even ontop of that use an alcohol based hand jel.

Shopping cart handles: everybody's touching them and think of how many unclean surfaces each has touched that day! Sky rocketing the risk that you may catch something just from a simple visit to the market.

-stay safe- clean with disinfecting wipe before touching or putting a child in the cart. Shopping cart covers are nice but remember germs survive longer in fabric than on a plastic handle...so wash wash wash em' often.

Child's museum: again germs everywhere that can be encountered will be.

-stay safe-
So remember rule number one and teach others around you to do the same. Wash your hands before leaving-hand jel, what not.

Public High chair: The likely hood of that chair being cleaning beforehand? Yikes, highly doubt it. Germs commonly fester in places you can't reach(darn nooks and crannies!)

-stay safe-
take along a disposable high-chair cover or use disinfectin wipe on it.
also, wipe clean your own home high chair after each use with disinfecting spray( I use Clorox Anywhere solution) and wipe clean with paper towel. Its just common sense but were all human.

Computer Keyboards: more likely that there are more germs harvesting on these than a schools door knob. Hows that you say??? Because a school is cleaned everyday including those handles..whereas your keyboard, hmmm not really. Unless you're a freak(in a good way).

-stay safe-
Teach thyself and then some to sneeze into the crook of your arm, use a tissue to clean out the nose(not the finger, c'mon we've all done it!) and disinfect with wipe once a week to maintain a healthier balance. And of course wash your hands afterwards.


Pets: This one I LOVE To holler right back at pplz defending the phrase "my dog's mouth has less germs in it than a human mouth".

That "May" be so however ain't no way in hell the FUR or PAWS are!!!

Pets: can transmit harmful bacteria from feces on their fur or paws.

-stay safe-
just be sure to wash has before you doing anything after petting or coming in "contact" with a pet. Also, disinfect with spray in your homes entryways regularly.


Yup, that about does it, for now.


sites:
thanks to Parent's Mag and Google image search

Upgrade

Wanna upgrade or "dress to impress" with out all the hassle and stress? What I am talking about are simple alternatives to upgrade your average boring foods of convenience to foods of spectacularity!!! Oh yeah, lets get started shall we?

Boring Frozen pizza?



spruce it up with this:



w/ Pesto and ricotta by "gently spreading 1/2 C store-bought pesto over the frozen pizza. Dollop w/1 C ricotta and cook the pizza according to the package directions."


not bad eh? Intrigued? You want me to continue? oh okay, thats what I thought,,,,


Boring Chicken Noddle soup from a can or what not?



spruce it up with this:



make into tortilla soup by bringing to a simmer in medium saucepan. "Add 1 C frozen(or non) corn kernels and 1 tsp hot sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, just until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes(vary). Scoop into bowls and serve with 1 cut-up avocado and 2 C tortilla chips."


~or~



spruce it up:


White beans and Kale



"In a med saucepan, bring the soup to a simmer. Add 1/2 bunch kale, leaves torn into 2 inch pieces(about 4 C.), and cook stirring occasionally, until just tender, 6 - 8 minutes. Stir in one 15.5 oz can rinsed cannellini beans and cook until heated through, 2 - 3 mins. Viola!


...and lets not forget dessert!





Pound cake

spruce it up with:


a toasted pound cake with whipped cream and almonds


Heat oven to 375* F. Spread 1/2 C sliced almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5 - 7 minutes. Heat broiler. Slice the cake into 1-inch think pieces and broil until golden brown. about 1 minute per side. In a med bowl, beat 1 C. heavy cream and 1/4 C confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Top the cake with the whipped cream and nuts.



Yum delish!


Good brands to use if ya need a little push;


Campbells select harvest chicken w/ egg noddle soup

Entenmann's All Butter loaf cake

Trader Joe's Pizza 4 Formaggi

Go figure

If you are a circle O: body type meaning you tend to gain weight around the middle section


-make sure ;you wear loosely fitting clothes around the mid-section and more snuggly elsewhere(to play up thin limbs.


Syles to go with would be:

• slim cut pants
  

• Shift dress

• tunic tops(w/pleating or volumious sleeves)
• Empire waist(waistline that rests below the bust)