tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1419251956747853292024-03-05T07:52:31.992-08:00Near to NothingThe kitchen diaries of two sisters on a mission to feed their families and save money. Healthy. Delicious. Affordable.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-26762467206420393662018-07-17T17:03:00.001-07:002018-07-17T17:03:39.149-07:00Keanna's Creamy Pesto Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1eyLCI_5AcE-5qQ5LdX3h5es2H5q3cWP5foxLBgBjPaBFxKEOYoh7sXfTIOvEZHdC12dli7H6WZ8TaBZtszsA8wzxGRKpKZ8lvyjcylWmPEZooHEa3JVwzP5uOZWvtySpSquI76Lqphg/s1600/20180716_185135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1eyLCI_5AcE-5qQ5LdX3h5es2H5q3cWP5foxLBgBjPaBFxKEOYoh7sXfTIOvEZHdC12dli7H6WZ8TaBZtszsA8wzxGRKpKZ8lvyjcylWmPEZooHEa3JVwzP5uOZWvtySpSquI76Lqphg/s320/20180716_185135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2018/06/kids-summer-cooking-2018-week-1.html" target="_blank">A few weeks ago</a>, Keanna made creamy pesto with bow tie pasta. At the time, I didn't take pictures to blog it so I had her make it again specifically for that purpose. The first time she made it, she used homemade pesto. Nothing can compare to the taste of fresh, homemade pesto. But in the interest of time, I had her use store-bought pesto this time. Costco currently has it on sale for a really good price.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over 1 pound for under $5. And it's freezable!!</td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keanna's Creamy Pesto Pasta</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">½ lb. pasta</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">½</span> c. cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 c. pesto</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">¼</span> c. grated Parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt & pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pine nuts (optional garnish)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple ingredients: cream, pesto, Parmesan cheese, salt, & pepper</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook pasta according to package directions. After putting the noodles into the boiling water, begin preparing the creamy pesto--the goal is to have the noodles perfectly cooked at the same time the sauce is finished. In a saucier or large sauce pan, heat cream at medium-high just until it begins to boil.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Turn heat as low as it will go. Whisk in pesto, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transfer hot pasta to a large bowl. Spoon creamy pesto over pasta and gently toss to coat. Sauce will thicken and soak into noodles as it sits and cools, so leave the pasta a little saucy. If desired, garnish with pine nuts and basil leaves. Serve immediately.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX103GbXf1ftgy9SCUQJ67No21R73UTkIXvTrfFFGpnaaREKNdh5wgCCcXVXB9CpCAJdFlNFNQs_agoQTAniZ5Nej8OLJufv5bdX00PmG3IGj-aPn0IJzmSvgrpqokw9pCnhAih-NBq8H/s1600/20180716_184636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX103GbXf1ftgy9SCUQJ67No21R73UTkIXvTrfFFGpnaaREKNdh5wgCCcXVXB9CpCAJdFlNFNQs_agoQTAniZ5Nej8OLJufv5bdX00PmG3IGj-aPn0IJzmSvgrpqokw9pCnhAih-NBq8H/s320/20180716_184636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost any shape will do. Keanna just prefers bow ties.</td></tr>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This time we served it with bacon Brussels sprouts and Dutch crust rolls.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One batch as written above feeds my family of six one dinner and leaves leftovers for a few lunches.</span>Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-44838272053671349202018-07-06T09:36:00.002-07:002018-07-06T09:36:34.372-07:00Good, Clean Summer Fun: Backyard Hand Washing Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My kids love playing outside in the dirt. The boys have been known to dig holes for no reason. April digs through the compost pile to find roly-polies. I love the fact that my kids enjoy spending time outside interacting with nature. But I do not want that nature coming into the house. A few years ago I set up a hand-washing station in our front yard. They kids love the ease of being able to wash their hands outside without having to come in the house. I love the ability to say, "Don't come in until your hands are clean."<br />
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If you'd rather watch a video tutorial, here you go. Otherwise, keep scrolling. (Sorry for the WeVideo logo--I'm still trying out different free video editors for the video production class I will be teaching next school year.)<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LZpoX8gMvp8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZpoX8gMvp8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Outdoor hand-washing stations are easy, inexpensive, and quick to set up. All you need is a pair of old tights, bar soap, and scissors.<br />
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1. Cut the legs off of the tights.<br />
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2. Insert bar soap into opening. Bonus: this is a great way to use up soap scraps.<br />
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3. Push soap to foot of tight leg.<br />
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4. Tie around outside faucet. I have one in the front yard and one in the backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHZl0TdC0HGiUBqaKulWf7vvsZQ2rY9ea6gnEy71GzJKKE2bXrgIJH5Z_vcu3Nk3QwKphuKkBcsRelgt4EaXUOfFcxB0V8w9Q1twaFjrwtVPwxvbro88XsQ0gF6rm_X0T3U0buiDib67F/s1600/20180623_140220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHZl0TdC0HGiUBqaKulWf7vvsZQ2rY9ea6gnEy71GzJKKE2bXrgIJH5Z_vcu3Nk3QwKphuKkBcsRelgt4EaXUOfFcxB0V8w9Q1twaFjrwtVPwxvbro88XsQ0gF6rm_X0T3U0buiDib67F/s320/20180623_140220.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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5. Let the hand washing commence!<br />
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<br />Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-20904956841479977292018-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:002018-07-02T19:01:10.141-07:00Keeping Summer Activities Organized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8_f20TGh_dN06XnaHYfjTlSOyuV5zs-rqjLUd3qehAR8taUYDIU8MR4j7Bhwg8uKVOJ1W-D-ipamL1LGJyZRZERy61jsBNT6EKvNInOi9y-9P35-91DMD47FePxHsK_NC0dl_T4bosOo/s1600/20180626_095914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8_f20TGh_dN06XnaHYfjTlSOyuV5zs-rqjLUd3qehAR8taUYDIU8MR4j7Bhwg8uKVOJ1W-D-ipamL1LGJyZRZERy61jsBNT6EKvNInOi9y-9P35-91DMD47FePxHsK_NC0dl_T4bosOo/s320/20180626_095914.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Remember the fabulous backpack center I made during the school year? If not, you can check it out <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2018/03/backpack-storage.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2018/03/backpack-storage.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2018/03/backpack-storage.html" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-S1KPW6SQT3S635S8s_uCRDidr0wAT5RLfJsUR2pRKtoWhvjpLSlvo_EFm7PBCgoW_zBP9wjrqJoqbVNWxbr5nSEzn-rQJ9DOgBoQ6qlbslTdgNQkFUU2Fn1f6_BAM_AP7URpIzn4zwx/s320/Backpack+Center.jpg" title="Backpack Organization" width="240" /></a></div>
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It definitely kept our backpack area clean, homework time and mornings a little less stressful, and Mommy a little more sane. I should have done it years ago!<br />
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Well, now that it is summer, the backpack center has transformed into the summer activities center. The backpacks have been stored away in the kids' closets until August and replaced by our outing necessities. I find that I am a lot more likely to get the kids out of the house if it takes less effort and work to get ready to go. Most of our activities involve the pool, so I keep all the pool essentials organized and ready-to-go at any moment.<br />
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<b>WHAT'S IN OUR ACTIVITY CENTER</b><br />
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<b>Snack bag</b>: The kids are <i>always</i> hungry, especially if they are being active at the pool, park, or beach. I take a variety of snacks on every outing to avoid hangry kids. I make sure any fresh fruit is cut for ease while at the pool. And I always take a stack of little paper cups to divvy up blueberries, goldfish crackers, grapes, and other small items so wet hands aren't fishing around in the containers. If we will be somewhere that doesn't have a water fountain, I also toss water bottles in the snack bag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UvM70d-iv6ycm7NKBHBY_paAOZOTG8g6vP6eSILno50O6xP-oKSGkhLQ-WyOIQfZD03pPlbhjz7BpDn0k0XeFPbasXHPGW3IyE1w2Mrl1N5_nKkkq5Q7iKZVmCsNvg3es6Py9fbfL-rQ/s1600/20180627_074927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UvM70d-iv6ycm7NKBHBY_paAOZOTG8g6vP6eSILno50O6xP-oKSGkhLQ-WyOIQfZD03pPlbhjz7BpDn0k0XeFPbasXHPGW3IyE1w2Mrl1N5_nKkkq5Q7iKZVmCsNvg3es6Py9fbfL-rQ/s320/20180627_074927.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes and blueberries in a non-squishable container.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S56y71T3u7Ihmz8WWGlZ1UsPA30dUORVnhsgPPAlWfNYctAr_DfLItgKbutWjXBiqqcs3HPv_YXAW6zCdMJEL3uBLHlRoJD1Mr8z_5HHqbCZypZ7F3ZJtaeANd5MAQ5owsjhuhcgYVbD/s1600/20180627_075217_Burst01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S56y71T3u7Ihmz8WWGlZ1UsPA30dUORVnhsgPPAlWfNYctAr_DfLItgKbutWjXBiqqcs3HPv_YXAW6zCdMJEL3uBLHlRoJD1Mr8z_5HHqbCZypZ7F3ZJtaeANd5MAQ5owsjhuhcgYVbD/s320/20180627_075217_Burst01.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape tomatoes in a non-squishable container.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ha4uUwGuZQ5ZYuOCnxJvFv9Coi57ZdMvrwau__ldrdK4itmyQgEyHdlBYsrbbIO3FpBGvJF5EacUStxiPwLUXpEQL8WUyiRNyxc5wXGt356ER9Ih4OvIQdg3Z89QMaErC5aOdfvRmk79/s1600/20180627_080016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ha4uUwGuZQ5ZYuOCnxJvFv9Coi57ZdMvrwau__ldrdK4itmyQgEyHdlBYsrbbIO3FpBGvJF5EacUStxiPwLUXpEQL8WUyiRNyxc5wXGt356ER9Ih4OvIQdg3Z89QMaErC5aOdfvRmk79/s320/20180627_080016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VD_Ah-P-QKGoVO18cMbKSjDSTq0tIZUwcjui2eSsbRaePO3yzf171WV3frvvkdws7HGR-t_rS1o0-S4OiO0-ASY7P-BGCfN7HGQIfQmjOTkDl9zjFXZo1bNuPBd5YiXan_G08XtzLK0X/s1600/20180627_121212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VD_Ah-P-QKGoVO18cMbKSjDSTq0tIZUwcjui2eSsbRaePO3yzf171WV3frvvkdws7HGR-t_rS1o0-S4OiO0-ASY7P-BGCfN7HGQIfQmjOTkDl9zjFXZo1bNuPBd5YiXan_G08XtzLK0X/s320/20180627_121212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small water cups allow me to serve up snacks without wet<br />
hands reaching into the snack containers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9frjVZokm_m59bz284QWnGwwCNxfWP8RQ3zuuQdaFAc7YxQyWzpkhL0FLchELfYCGOlN0cGIYrRdlBm9A_HTbrX-CWMHaXAbZPuPpdx9-R1ZSvp3Y0-h_hovB7KNI4qlR9dfO8Xqw3kS/s1600/20180627_132302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9frjVZokm_m59bz284QWnGwwCNxfWP8RQ3zuuQdaFAc7YxQyWzpkhL0FLchELfYCGOlN0cGIYrRdlBm9A_HTbrX-CWMHaXAbZPuPpdx9-R1ZSvp3Y0-h_hovB7KNI4qlR9dfO8Xqw3kS/s320/20180627_132302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They love fruit!</td></tr>
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<b>Blankets</b>: We generally take two blankets--one designated as the "wet blanket" and the other designated as the "dry blanket." The old bed quilt is the wet blanket and the water-proof picnic blanket is the dry blanket. The water-proof bottom of the picnic blanket keeps moisture from the ground underneath from wicking up to those who wish to stay dry. And the lack of a water-proof layer on the wet blanket allows the water from the kids' bodies to drain through to the ground underneath and not pool up on the blanket.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEkXtOvKsPhG8z3sSyLwtscsLfRNKoQOMrkPI6YcQgsyXXYqrjie12fb5SZbD5C8vlmmCPJGK5_uEMOsdOTpE7JvecmSacqHSnKc2FUuXb8IWm221SSsE7IBu3wOFPUkK9oXy4RwUuCub/s1600/20180627_120623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEkXtOvKsPhG8z3sSyLwtscsLfRNKoQOMrkPI6YcQgsyXXYqrjie12fb5SZbD5C8vlmmCPJGK5_uEMOsdOTpE7JvecmSacqHSnKc2FUuXb8IWm221SSsE7IBu3wOFPUkK9oXy4RwUuCub/s320/20180627_120623.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry blanket on the left; wet blanket on the right.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHXF1ENDhPsqNRU8cQECrSF0JOLqqFgTU4SPUi3Pyh72VPLBRhtO5I725YWh9hy7WmmsJASWarmPAapC3YfReKDaMojgDCwi36dxFUuKjyMMBZxcAxb7DuNfvTxqfKQ5BeVKP6Av6umC9/s1600/20180627_120857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHXF1ENDhPsqNRU8cQECrSF0JOLqqFgTU4SPUi3Pyh72VPLBRhtO5I725YWh9hy7WmmsJASWarmPAapC3YfReKDaMojgDCwi36dxFUuKjyMMBZxcAxb7DuNfvTxqfKQ5BeVKP6Av6umC9/s320/20180627_120857.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <i>fantastic</i> picnic blanket was a gift from my dad's cousin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagqjqdJdVYrysV99anEQGSa8ylX-r9CA5Zdx6loZTZTjw2KZ9HwGqACzLRAZxs-ds33SKsM7C81vafRpwLLNrntPpWn95qd7gdhLq32xO7x7Rm7BlQUtDgfZA-AFh2jKHkWGMJVlqH9d9/s1600/20180627_120909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagqjqdJdVYrysV99anEQGSa8ylX-r9CA5Zdx6loZTZTjw2KZ9HwGqACzLRAZxs-ds33SKsM7C81vafRpwLLNrntPpWn95qd7gdhLq32xO7x7Rm7BlQUtDgfZA-AFh2jKHkWGMJVlqH9d9/s320/20180627_120909.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can find them on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tuffo-Water-Resistant-Outdoor-Blanket-Stripe/dp/B0007YDCLS/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1530417299&sr=8-5&keywords=tuffo+outdoor+blanket" target="_blank">Amazon </a>or on the <a href="https://tuffo.com//water-resistant-outdoor-blanket/" target="_blank">Tuffo website</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7xOadr8Sdnye1LYaTP1h981HA9anh1djyvqRJK2Y5lzk4CY1U4ZGFIo4AuZ1NSXGzI_0Kso04YTdWunXrrU5ZY7fkkRjz0cKGR5uix0Xu7xJkBVdBmMN-O7d-FKrwcGRFXg9Ia_DnsSc/s1600/20180627_120935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7xOadr8Sdnye1LYaTP1h981HA9anh1djyvqRJK2Y5lzk4CY1U4ZGFIo4AuZ1NSXGzI_0Kso04YTdWunXrrU5ZY7fkkRjz0cKGR5uix0Xu7xJkBVdBmMN-O7d-FKrwcGRFXg9Ia_DnsSc/s320/20180627_120935.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folding instructions sewn in!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Supplies bag</b>: Goggles, sunscreen, snack money, pool information, books, pool toys, hair bands, etc. I keep every pair of goggles we own in the pool bag even though we don't need them all. Very often, the kids will make friends at the pool and will offer them a pair of our extra goggles. I also try to keep at least two bottles of sunscreen in the bag. Normally, I prefer to have only one of each such item, but it just makes sunscreening four to six people a lot faster to have two bottles.<br />
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<b>My purse</b>: When we head to the pool, I just transfer the few things I need from my purse to the supplies bag and <i>leave it at home</i>. Keeping my purse next to the supplies bag helps me remember to transfer items back and forth as necessary.<br />
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"Where are the towels?" you might be wondering. Each kid is responsible for his/her own towel. Before we leave for the pool, water park, or beach, they each grab their own towel and take it to the car with them. Mommy and Daddy do not carry kid towels. As soon as we return home from our outing, they each hang up their wet towel on the designated hook in their rooms. Of course, my kids are real kids and sometimes the towels don't actually make it to the hooks. When I find towels that are not put away, the culprits owe me a load of laundry washed, dried, and sorted. It won't take them long to learn to remember to put their towels away as soon as we get home.</div>
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Of course, this type of system will work with any type of activities. You may not be a pool family, but perhaps you have gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, basketball, summer school, day camp, or music lessons. Designating a central location for activity supplies will make getting out of the house and to those activities more efficient.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-61643248707765619552018-06-30T20:27:00.000-07:002018-06-30T20:27:55.369-07:00Kids' Summer Cooking 2018, Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5abnpGUfW8SM4A1Xld_B-fplp45aAcwLM19BxZsGwRZ3B-SbHUw5wWLoIXnv0S3fts2l2St9Xdk2wMdJKxRXNQoDFkKm2mbEML7geg4tkc2Kg6Ohn3T9IubLNfe_vEjzKOqOUQyBbuo8/s1600/pixlr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5abnpGUfW8SM4A1Xld_B-fplp45aAcwLM19BxZsGwRZ3B-SbHUw5wWLoIXnv0S3fts2l2St9Xdk2wMdJKxRXNQoDFkKm2mbEML7geg4tkc2Kg6Ohn3T9IubLNfe_vEjzKOqOUQyBbuo8/s320/pixlr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a busy week with swim lessons for all four kids, doctor and dentist appointments for all six of us (some of us had multiple), pet sitting a bird, a gymnastics competition for April, a concert in San Francisco and youth group for Keanna, some bowling time for all the kids, an A's game for all of us and my parents, and a family outing to the opening of a community dog park.<br />
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Even with all the busyness and activity, we still required each kid to prepare one dinner. This week's menu was really fun and delicious:<br />
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<li>Keanna: BBQ chopped salad (think <a href="https://stonefiregrill.com/" target="_blank">StoneFire Grill</a>, all my Santa Clarita friends!)</li>
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<li>She used this <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/09/all-purpose-sauteed-chicken-breasts.html" target="_blank">chicken recipe</a> and was impressed with how good and easy it was.</li>
</ul>
<li>Lukas: chimichangas with <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/09/homemade-refried-beans.html" target="_blank">homemade refried beans</a></li>
<li>Koda: waffles</li>
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<li>We used the recipe from <i>The Joy of Cooking</i>, but you can find <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/12/waffles-and-fun-christmas-breakfast.html" target="_blank">Kimiko's waffle recipe here</a>.</li>
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<li>April: grilled cheeseburgers and homemade French fries</li>
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The challenging one this week was April's menu. She specifically requested to make homemade French fries and not start with frozen ones in a bag. I knew that I would have to do the actual frying for safety reasons and that is a task that needs full attention, so I recruited Bapa (my dad) to help April grill her burgers in the backyard. Of course, the grill was also too hot for her to actually handle the meat on it, so we gave her as many jobs as we could so it was still her meal. For the French fries, she cut most of the potatoes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April cut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fried.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were soooo delicious!</td></tr>
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For the burgers, my dad taught her how to evenly season the meat, how to avoid cross contamination when working with raw meat, and how to form patties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv68mYxqWuFaNQtBQnwIspSRt7E8R1GdXK7bzQ-4XATiWi5N-cnkoBBOMUS-yrKwOnftSkyP5NjST0G6M6LauEPjGcMB_t9bHvFqtiR6A0FfhjaJNjxD7uB_0Z20Xqm9ejAeBZ6tcgIGDp/s1600/20180628_161143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv68mYxqWuFaNQtBQnwIspSRt7E8R1GdXK7bzQ-4XATiWi5N-cnkoBBOMUS-yrKwOnftSkyP5NjST0G6M6LauEPjGcMB_t9bHvFqtiR6A0FfhjaJNjxD7uB_0Z20Xqm9ejAeBZ6tcgIGDp/s320/20180628_161143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIZCj8iKS3hNiNPjDZJRdFggQCC5dbwjj_GWNXK846x2DNM-SHtv3fLxzREI-7Q81DZlb4q1vsieajPGEimQjmEZa8exrxtdlKBev3vn9xzm-nvWl_itzolj80V2x6uFu4BPU080PGv9P/s1600/20180628_161528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIZCj8iKS3hNiNPjDZJRdFggQCC5dbwjj_GWNXK846x2DNM-SHtv3fLxzREI-7Q81DZlb4q1vsieajPGEimQjmEZa8exrxtdlKBev3vn9xzm-nvWl_itzolj80V2x6uFu4BPU080PGv9P/s320/20180628_161528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILkbyxc9NpwqzN1SO4hgIYe4TYByGB81cYwh-LNUrkXzhHo_vGE0VVrDENHUgVl_1ofsS1pQ0-1ghifmaJTZGUrRP63V0SbIlm-vrok9kZp3xJ9oXGY5J8oMf-P5F21M5mCYUOpNfRyj9/s1600/20180628_164235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILkbyxc9NpwqzN1SO4hgIYe4TYByGB81cYwh-LNUrkXzhHo_vGE0VVrDENHUgVl_1ofsS1pQ0-1ghifmaJTZGUrRP63V0SbIlm-vrok9kZp3xJ9oXGY5J8oMf-P5F21M5mCYUOpNfRyj9/s320/20180628_164235.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice April's hanging out in the trampoline while Bapa does<br />the hot work of cleaning the grill.</td></tr>
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When the meat was just about done, he let her put the cheese slices on the patties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcU7uDQa7iyvxVFeDUD4-yIVUgHsCJq8jNxduXjLA6r5oaDizTxrXf1ImU2ntVMOG-fQUW4OCLn_nqo_CHer4ZjYS2r0SGC0h0QFITbBpPsK_VewdzoaWKRK_o96kYPwv33WsWhyphenhyphenZguVZ/s1600/20180628_165444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcU7uDQa7iyvxVFeDUD4-yIVUgHsCJq8jNxduXjLA6r5oaDizTxrXf1ImU2ntVMOG-fQUW4OCLn_nqo_CHer4ZjYS2r0SGC0h0QFITbBpPsK_VewdzoaWKRK_o96kYPwv33WsWhyphenhyphenZguVZ/s320/20180628_165444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV0ZLRNSPcqwCq2MQu1PC3al_2YETCVn8anUvwrIjtn3eJGAZMFxDLCNDXR4C7RZDlLxgJazn_3gGH0CL6mwWijeIB_a84TFP__ad-PFFFhonu5P2bK78kQtSWONoDIBWrqtVxWb290MK/s1600/20180628_170704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV0ZLRNSPcqwCq2MQu1PC3al_2YETCVn8anUvwrIjtn3eJGAZMFxDLCNDXR4C7RZDlLxgJazn_3gGH0CL6mwWijeIB_a84TFP__ad-PFFFhonu5P2bK78kQtSWONoDIBWrqtVxWb290MK/s320/20180628_170704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hopefully in the near future, I'll have time to blog the process of making chimichangas. They are so easy and so good!</div>
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This coming week, the kids have double duty. Not only do they have to make one dinner, but they each have to make something to take to a 4th of July celebration. I'm looking forward to seeing what they all pick!</div>
Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-84511495120393122432018-06-25T19:46:00.000-07:002018-06-25T19:46:49.990-07:00April's Summer Fruit Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjcy_Y0n0Gi8TNVARhLgUX0CWc0ApOpXaJbSNqESJ6uHjrD4PS-h1Sj79f-8Dpo8Gm8tUmmpelrlpND62mxvQn3Bw3htMP1qf_iQI_-_ESuo5ID7oKDaYSM71hkDNXcL52wR59-7bWqAB/s1600/20180625_130904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjcy_Y0n0Gi8TNVARhLgUX0CWc0ApOpXaJbSNqESJ6uHjrD4PS-h1Sj79f-8Dpo8Gm8tUmmpelrlpND62mxvQn3Bw3htMP1qf_iQI_-_ESuo5ID7oKDaYSM71hkDNXcL52wR59-7bWqAB/s320/20180625_130904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My kids are frugivores (animals that eat fruit). We have to ration the fruit so they don't eat themselves into some serious tummy troubles. Our staple fruits are apples (Fuji and Granny Smith), bananas, and oranges. I buy those all year because they are almost always reasonably priced. But now that it's summer, other fruits have gone down in price! This week I bought peaches, nectarines, cherries, blueberries, and strawberries. The kids are loving the variety.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtofQ2x-kNOl9iSfwCO5cxNo-RPVgZ-7IZ3FstfeQj3CT3w1Q3nYi-y6CoyqfRlEPAIYbxvUnaBWg_BaA9bgujhLVp_nNBqkIZRvIT8GuVGtUX8oqrirT_PuiFdqWaEGZscHkiDzTqQdW/s1600/20180625_125924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtofQ2x-kNOl9iSfwCO5cxNo-RPVgZ-7IZ3FstfeQj3CT3w1Q3nYi-y6CoyqfRlEPAIYbxvUnaBWg_BaA9bgujhLVp_nNBqkIZRvIT8GuVGtUX8oqrirT_PuiFdqWaEGZscHkiDzTqQdW/s320/20180625_125924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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About two weeks ago, April wanted to "make something with fruit." So I gathered what fruit we had at the time, and we threw together a fruit salad. It was an instant hit, and she has since made it two more times. The great thing about April's fruit salad is that you can use any fruit you want or that you happen to have on hand. Besides the fresh fruit I mentioned above, she has also used canned mandarin oranges and frozen peaches.<br />
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One thing to note is that you will want to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your personal preference and the sweetness of the fruit you use. You can also substitute other types of sweeteners if you prefer not to use brown sugar.<br />
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As the salad sits in the fridge, the juices will start to come out of the fruit so be sure to eat it within a few hours or up to one day of mixing it.<br />
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Regardless of how you make it, this fruit salad is sure to be a great addition to any summer meal.<br />
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<u>April's Fruit Salad</u><br />
5 c. bite-sized fruit pieces<br />
1 c. Greek yogurt<br />
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar (or more or less depending on preference and sweetness of fruit)<br />
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Put all ingredients in a large bowl. Gently and thoroughly mix until brown sugar is dissolved into yogurt and all fruit is evenly coated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knife skills are valuable for children to learn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful colors! This batch contains pitted and halved cherries,<br />blueberries, strawberries, Granny Smith apples, and Fuji apples.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April loves it when she has properly packed the brown sugar<br />and it retains its shape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGGGbrRy01U0SE2H1dNFYRA5hb_crshPzX5EZcDDekT0I-mwziOUlDPRb4LmGDBbyJdEGNJtdZ96zrlLQAq9cFIENKp4MyOks0dh1LyDClP9a98A-1IA3SM06KMU2TDgJv2cpJN_dYd2i/s1600/20180625_130333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGGGbrRy01U0SE2H1dNFYRA5hb_crshPzX5EZcDDekT0I-mwziOUlDPRb4LmGDBbyJdEGNJtdZ96zrlLQAq9cFIENKp4MyOks0dh1LyDClP9a98A-1IA3SM06KMU2TDgJv2cpJN_dYd2i/s320/20180625_130333.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir gently so the fruit doesn't get smashed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the fruit salad of your labor!</td></tr>
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<br />Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-41676925090153532832018-06-20T07:40:00.001-07:002018-06-20T07:40:57.931-07:00Kids' Summer Cooking 2018, Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer vacation!! Woohoo!! After a whirlwind of a finish to the school year, a graduation celebration, and a couple road trips, we are settled into our summer routine. More about all that later. But that means the kids are cooking dinner! Each kid is cooking one dinner each week.<br />
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<u>Week 1</u><br />
Keanna: creamy pesto with bow tie pasta and Greek salad (Kimiko's salad recipe <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2016/09/greek-salad-with-chicken.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
Lukas: pancakes (see Kimiko's recipe <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/02/delicious-sweet-pancakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
Koda: pizza with homemade dough (<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/11/focaccia-bread.html" target="_blank">focaccia</a> as the crust!)<br />
April: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/08/baked-potatoes-with-chili.html" target="_blank">baked potatoes</a>, <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/08/leftover-spaghetti-sauce-chili.html" target="_blank">chili</a>, and broccoli<br />
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Meanwhile, as the kids are enjoying swimming lessons, summer reading time, play dates, and more time outside, I am preparing for next school year. For the fist time, I will be teaching a video production elective. Consequently, I'm having to produce some example videos to show my students what my expectations for them are. Using pictures I had readily available on my phone, I threw this video together while experimenting with Adobe Spark. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Snpxa4X1F_8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Snpxa4X1F_8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-687073466781028402018-04-07T15:01:00.001-07:002018-04-07T15:03:01.676-07:00Taming the Kids' Dishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I actually enjoy doing dishes. Most of the time. The warm water. The clean kitchen afterward. It's rewarding to me. But that doesn't mean I want to be doing dishes all the time. During the school year, I have very little time at home with my family. As much as I like clean dishes, I was saddened by the fact that I had to say "No" to other things to get them done. Yes, ideally, my kids should be doing all the dishes by now. But due to our season in life and our daily schedule, that's just something we can't do right now.</div>
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A few months ago I finally got fed up with the amount of time I was spending on dishes, and I took a drastic step--I donated all the plastic kid dishes.* Seriously. We had about a dozen Pampered Chef plastic plates and various Ikea kid dishes. That was one of the problems. We had too many dishes. With so many dishes in the cupboard, the kids felt like they could get a dish out any time they wanted. We had trained them to rinse their dishes and put them in the dishwasher (or the sink if the dishwasher was full/clean/running). But I still spent so much time unloading the dishwasher, hand drying the plastic stuff that didn't dry in the dishwasher, reloading the dishwasher, and hand washing all the dishes that didn't fit in the dishwasher. With our crazy schedule, there were always dishes in the sink.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"I donated all the plastic kid dishes."</span></div>
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With my cupboards empty, I replaced the old kid dishes with nine new kid dishes. Each of the younger ones has exactly one plate, one bowl, and one cup. These are the only dishes they are allowed to use. After each use, they hand wash, dry, and put their dishes away. Each kid has a different color so there is no arguing about who left their dishes out or who forgot to clean theirs. Keanna is old enough to use the real, grown-up dishes so I didn't buy her a set.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Each of the younger ones has exactly one plate, one bowl, and one cup... After each use, they hand wash, dry, and put their dishes away."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kid dishes go in the lower cupboard for</span></div>
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I bought these at Target for $0.79 each. They have a lot of color, size, and style options. All of them seem to stack very easily and neatly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RJ_ilX-rWXMFq666z8cgp3O7sBgyQQPtoZdynGk7Y9fivacG3b-fU983joXUWK-51xeiKwjslVNwCRawU2NDyHITVQy4tkB182FtEvfW2fZM8SDav8eN0apz_STkAJrYZnkhyphenhyphenUoFCk7B/s1600/20180311_145940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RJ_ilX-rWXMFq666z8cgp3O7sBgyQQPtoZdynGk7Y9fivacG3b-fU983joXUWK-51xeiKwjslVNwCRawU2NDyHITVQy4tkB182FtEvfW2fZM8SDav8eN0apz_STkAJrYZnkhyphenhyphenUoFCk7B/s320/20180311_145940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was some whining and complaining the first couple of weeks, but now they know what is expected and they do it with happy hearts. An added bonus is that they kids now think twice before using any dishes. It is very rewarding to see my kids learn the skills they will need as an adult and take ownership over a small part of dish duty. And it's nice to be able to spend time the extra time doing things with my children.</div>
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*I actually did keep a <i>few </i>of the old plastic dishes for when the nieces and nephews and neighbor kids are here,but they are out of sight, out of reach of my children. I am considering getting rid of those and getting a few more sets of these Target ones in a different color.</div>
Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-25096245734138065782018-03-30T19:55:00.000-07:002018-07-02T19:24:24.181-07:00Backpack Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCrdfCiL9yNpFjFUhj6KI99pOscmJYYR3Y5urfI5l9f-LqT1B0L8O2HloBTAthKeib2lzoeDO5aBH4Qbzj1ed83IBaaqZrX080L58t4QBknNmkyE5AS2FCvHEd8_h__S8G2EoXDW_2MUd/s1600/pixlr_20180330191130542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCrdfCiL9yNpFjFUhj6KI99pOscmJYYR3Y5urfI5l9f-LqT1B0L8O2HloBTAthKeib2lzoeDO5aBH4Qbzj1ed83IBaaqZrX080L58t4QBknNmkyE5AS2FCvHEd8_h__S8G2EoXDW_2MUd/s320/pixlr_20180330191130542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why do we put up with inconveniences or inefficiencies for so long before we act upon them? My latest "Finally!" moment dealt with our backpack area. In my mind, my children would come home from school every day, neatly line up their backpacks against the wall under the <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2017/01/kids-chore-chart.html" target="_blank">chore chart</a>, hang their coats in the coat closet, empty their lunch bags and return them to their backpacks, and my nook would always stay picture-perfect clean. Yeah, I'm not sure whose kids were in that fantasy. Or which mom, for that matter. The truth is that if I reinforced it everyday, it could happen. But after a l...o...n...g day of teaching, being the backpack police is the last thing I want to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mCpwu2c6DYQf08R96HFpVG1ePGVineAhyphenhyphenS364BnYeUF7uaXdSzaMxfaXnqbe2w7YJub2vpmVLKKHWMLYEyngovyAIBiJtUyCaEQzsNrb8tDtDwDuR1xTg-Bc7-gKk4SmhMrj9urSG2s7/s1600/20180325_085148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mCpwu2c6DYQf08R96HFpVG1ePGVineAhyphenhyphenS364BnYeUF7uaXdSzaMxfaXnqbe2w7YJub2vpmVLKKHWMLYEyngovyAIBiJtUyCaEQzsNrb8tDtDwDuR1xTg-Bc7-gKk4SmhMrj9urSG2s7/s320/20180325_085148.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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About six months ago, I was looking at the backpack hooks at school. "We should do that at home." Six months ago. Yeah. I knew the solution but had just gotten so used to putting up with the chaos that I didn't act immediately. Well, the latest Costco coupon book lit a fire under me. They currently have a <a href="https://www.costco.com/Wall-Rack-with-6-Hooks.product.100351550.html" target="_blank">2-pack of hook racks</a> for $14.99!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNv-WzQuu4AsMMLhN4kZ1fRR_ZPMrghl6uIhOZRrmYWJTrFnUp8R5UskjHdLVxkyl5MlhHqnCsPDMYno95aZ4TmDVVk0xNrxPtBV_Um5oy2-gLCX1KAj88UUrSyck1rl9rYET4Pn0ljvSp/s1600/20180325_093120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNv-WzQuu4AsMMLhN4kZ1fRR_ZPMrghl6uIhOZRrmYWJTrFnUp8R5UskjHdLVxkyl5MlhHqnCsPDMYno95aZ4TmDVVk0xNrxPtBV_Um5oy2-gLCX1KAj88UUrSyck1rl9rYET4Pn0ljvSp/s320/20180325_093120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That price was just too good to pass up. I may end up grabbing one or two more before the coupon ends on April 8. Unfortunately, this product is only available in-store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW6a7mmtHmU8uyhteq1zgtyo761ImA7mYQnUEcOQwXJG5GkwyiYJEOA1SO-ANhNx9xBGeFKlATt1rkuCj_P1zphmftKTeuy1FE2NUotChs44tYBIqr3MvHsGjWI0S6CYtZr1FsMZJBKKu/s1600/20180325_092508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW6a7mmtHmU8uyhteq1zgtyo761ImA7mYQnUEcOQwXJG5GkwyiYJEOA1SO-ANhNx9xBGeFKlATt1rkuCj_P1zphmftKTeuy1FE2NUotChs44tYBIqr3MvHsGjWI0S6CYtZr1FsMZJBKKu/s320/20180325_092508.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The box includes the screws and wall anchors for hanging. And although the enclosed directions were less than helpful, it only took me about 20 minutes to get these on the wall, including trips to the garage to get supplies. The directions say you only need a pencil and a screwdriver--that's a lie.<br />
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Tools needed:<br />
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<ul>
<li>pencil</li>
<li>Phillips screwdriver</li>
<li>level</li>
<li>drill and bits (I ended up using the largest drill bit I could find. Sorry, I don't know what size it is.)</li>
<li>hammer</li>
<li>vacuum</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Amc6EgVKYR-FmzJoVwKKCVdA5l7Pq3AuoA5Uo1prGPMo5ZIw7LyvXcd2DrQ-mhXWw0cCpBA6Cx_oVxqkIHquHmAqHQPMS5tfuyjfyfRQSKoRGdBqmkkvHQM40VTcJGWGW7kOdgXKmWvh/s1600/20180325_092529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Amc6EgVKYR-FmzJoVwKKCVdA5l7Pq3AuoA5Uo1prGPMo5ZIw7LyvXcd2DrQ-mhXWw0cCpBA6Cx_oVxqkIHquHmAqHQPMS5tfuyjfyfRQSKoRGdBqmkkvHQM40VTcJGWGW7kOdgXKmWvh/s320/20180325_092529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To get enough room for three backpacks, I hung both racks side-by-side. I also hung them into the drywall only as the holes did not line up with any studs. Regardless, they are solidly on the wall, and I have no fear of them falling with the weigh of the backpacks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93AB4YjTw7V3cxLQtb39vwE5jQW9LYoEuhynu4CdSpD-ugZeSOgc7W4ABrNV2xhW4ar6YvuQIZJGhR1bmMe3_lfTLmfDujgxHLQybF3IteIIe9W_AXsqYPVJVOktza-44Da-jL4gPdQOt/s1600/20180325_092542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93AB4YjTw7V3cxLQtb39vwE5jQW9LYoEuhynu4CdSpD-ugZeSOgc7W4ABrNV2xhW4ar6YvuQIZJGhR1bmMe3_lfTLmfDujgxHLQybF3IteIIe9W_AXsqYPVJVOktza-44Da-jL4gPdQOt/s320/20180325_092542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since hanging them up, I have only had to remind one child one time to hang up his backpack. The hooks themselves are a reminder of where school things belong. And my boys have commented about how much easier it is to get things in and out of their bags when they are hanging as opposed to sitting on the floor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RHoCEQhg9sTQtrjXd1WBirAaCY4ysTvjJy79n6uoyoXUFu10Dv6BWcCDvYaMijYAtMIA5Gupaamt5w4ytBg92MgcRq6G7-W5pw5MZG8CZYnpwD85hyphenhyphennBj_5jx9j6dNb3oDF2K8oh16qe/s1600/20180325_092708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RHoCEQhg9sTQtrjXd1WBirAaCY4ysTvjJy79n6uoyoXUFu10Dv6BWcCDvYaMijYAtMIA5Gupaamt5w4ytBg92MgcRq6G7-W5pw5MZG8CZYnpwD85hyphenhyphennBj_5jx9j6dNb3oDF2K8oh16qe/s320/20180325_092708.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Another bonus: I can more easily sweep/vacuum the floor in this area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mj-lTHtJaAslDVdZMs5YhUTKch68tV0Mv1UmJl7Art0PZoo7tkngzNk4EhbhaiTihmIW4BRcBZO-BUrIkpufwu-5ELT6JzZMiiCaYbTL04Dp-Vk8s40J_ej4jtFZDtQDcuO8SuAeVSTT/s1600/20180325_092725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mj-lTHtJaAslDVdZMs5YhUTKch68tV0Mv1UmJl7Art0PZoo7tkngzNk4EhbhaiTihmIW4BRcBZO-BUrIkpufwu-5ELT6JzZMiiCaYbTL04Dp-Vk8s40J_ej4jtFZDtQDcuO8SuAeVSTT/s320/20180325_092725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When summer vacation comes and the backpacks go into storage for two months, these will become our <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2018/07/keeping-summer-activities-organized.html" target="_blank">swimming lessons/pool bag hooks</a>. We're all looking forward to that!</div>
Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-53171393459290222392017-06-05T07:10:00.001-07:002017-06-05T07:10:54.522-07:00Clark Summer Cooking Adventures, Part 2: April's Waffles and the Perils of Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By far, the most popular things to make for dinner among the Littles are pancakes and waffles. They would eat pancakes and waffles for three meals a day if I let them. During the summer when they are doing the cooking, the rule is that only one of them gets to make breakfast for dinner each week. And we rotate who gets to do it. April got the first round of waffles this summer.</div>
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As I write this, I'm realizing that my favorite waffle recipe isn't yet on Near to Nothing! I'll have to post that soon. It's a yeast-risen waffle recipe which is great because you put it together the night before (for breakfast) or the morning of (for dinner) and let it rise in the refrigerator until you are ready for it. Kimiko's go-to waffle recipe can be found <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/12/waffles-and-fun-christmas-breakfast.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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In the shuffle of April's waffle day, we did not get the yeast recipe mixed together in time, so we went with the regular waffle recipe out of <i>The Joy of Cooking</i>. </div>
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As I've said before, I try to let my kids do as much of the cooking as they can do on their own. April is now six years old and can do quite a bit on her own. For the waffles, she measured the dry ingredients (as I challenged her to double fractions), cracked the eggs, poured the wet ingredients that I had already measured out, mixed the batter, and poured the batter into the waffle iron. I took the done waffles out of the iron and transferred them to the oven to stay warm.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W8S315v9NJYFAlQh_KDbx1hhkg4yNwxdPyV9CzVhrfpjzd2smgBo40Mq8yqk3z-hK6tissN3N_8emWM7KqA0i9NUGhdUM7vET2VI-HNARwx76U5a-_UdoExhATYYin8GJd6rpBLgmm3d/s1600/IMG_20170602_172119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W8S315v9NJYFAlQh_KDbx1hhkg4yNwxdPyV9CzVhrfpjzd2smgBo40Mq8yqk3z-hK6tissN3N_8emWM7KqA0i9NUGhdUM7vET2VI-HNARwx76U5a-_UdoExhATYYin8GJd6rpBLgmm3d/s320/IMG_20170602_172119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batter should be lumpy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZb8AmJ_G3NMklH7EFQWrx8vtFLlKng6Hc3TumspZWaXf3tCYgMXlADqvyVlUCJt3xxChLbWIW5yUKh7mbVc2x-v2J2nhnskkVxz0UR_9yZ5GXcWdqu8cKcnrlC1lQSKX9ybuaLVEhzYe/s320/IMG_20170602_172139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE my double waffle maker!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZb8AmJ_G3NMklH7EFQWrx8vtFLlKng6Hc3TumspZWaXf3tCYgMXlADqvyVlUCJt3xxChLbWIW5yUKh7mbVc2x-v2J2nhnskkVxz0UR_9yZ5GXcWdqu8cKcnrlC1lQSKX9ybuaLVEhzYe/s1600/IMG_20170602_172139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZb8AmJ_G3NMklH7EFQWrx8vtFLlKng6Hc3TumspZWaXf3tCYgMXlADqvyVlUCJt3xxChLbWIW5yUKh7mbVc2x-v2J2nhnskkVxz0UR_9yZ5GXcWdqu8cKcnrlC1lQSKX9ybuaLVEhzYe/s1600/IMG_20170602_172139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Sadly, this cooking adventure took a bad turn, and I don't have any pictures of the rest of the process or the finished product. The kids love canned fruit, but I hardly ever buy it. Since April was cooking breakfast, I splurged and bought canned peaches and mandarin oranges. April successfully opened and poured three cans of mandarin oranges into the serving bowl. But the peaches got her. :( As she was preparing to pour the peaches into the bowl, she sliced her thumb on the open can lid. It was a pretty clean cut, such that it took her a few seconds to realize what happened and it didn't start to bleed right away. But once it started bleeding, it bled and bled. After washing her up, wiping her tears, and applying a band-aid, I finished making dinner by myself while she rested on the couch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtFfBqTv2SmcA_uJipRMXB_jL39Vop9naigPs68nimyDfKGchT18pn3noNADvk5qn1cm0w82-MOu_Py-YBSyvEMGS1hepWRvEUugZubmA3nYTihcLH3VqrYMXaF3jLUtMGlBn3ep3hScu/s1600/IMG_20170602_191045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtFfBqTv2SmcA_uJipRMXB_jL39Vop9naigPs68nimyDfKGchT18pn3noNADvk5qn1cm0w82-MOu_Py-YBSyvEMGS1hepWRvEUugZubmA3nYTihcLH3VqrYMXaF3jLUtMGlBn3ep3hScu/s320/IMG_20170602_191045.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even though April's waffle night didn't end as planned, we still had a delicious breakfast dinner and she had a great time working in the kitchen up until her injury. Despite the painful experience, she's looking forward to her next turn to cook dinner. And <i>because of</i> her painful experience, I know she'll be extra careful with cans from now on.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-15791774978820498922017-06-01T19:00:00.000-07:002017-06-01T19:00:06.001-07:00Clark Summer Cooking Adventures, Part 1: Koda's Mac 'n Cheese<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLDZwtZ9STf7SZkm8fWiIOXixTLMk0PiE0Q9r4Gk-NLQ0-pTDsdY-efd7xNhMxVQTOYT8RUtNu77vqI0-oyZJ68yadl6vzEMHapfAwNhVZVWHdmeYT2CrsB_zuQN9xT6_pjggJ0lauyEg/s1600/IMG_20170531_171002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLDZwtZ9STf7SZkm8fWiIOXixTLMk0PiE0Q9r4Gk-NLQ0-pTDsdY-efd7xNhMxVQTOYT8RUtNu77vqI0-oyZJ68yadl6vzEMHapfAwNhVZVWHdmeYT2CrsB_zuQN9xT6_pjggJ0lauyEg/s320/IMG_20170531_171002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the best fact I could get out of him, silly boy.</td></tr>
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It's summer! And that means my (Sumiko's) kids will be doing the cooking! Each kid is in charge of cooking and cleaning up dinner one night each week. Of course, they have Mom's help and guidance, but I let them do as much of it as they can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJbHewC1KV_b_WTKMcRFY_fegqhht9qE4-DRVyXi9iKOg2cFgg2ugkXQIFFa5g9hcLn131-wehWhChsG6JD4BJsURqt4-ruXcShTxvXVTHN29I2T4jGmc8isVKDUuDtaF9JU2Rg8Keuot/s1600/IMG_20170531_161833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJbHewC1KV_b_WTKMcRFY_fegqhht9qE4-DRVyXi9iKOg2cFgg2ugkXQIFFa5g9hcLn131-wehWhChsG6JD4BJsURqt4-ruXcShTxvXVTHN29I2T4jGmc8isVKDUuDtaF9JU2Rg8Keuot/s320/IMG_20170531_161833.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the roux.</td></tr>
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First week's meals are as follows:<br />
Koda: stove-top mac 'n cheese<br />
Keanna: penne rigate with creamy pesto and Japanese cucumber salad<br />
April: waffles<br />
Lukas: chimichangas and bean dip (he's my burrito boy!)<br />
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We started last night with Koda's mac 'n cheese. You can find the recipe on my <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/11/macaroni-and-cheese-ultimate-comfort.html" target="_blank">baked mac 'n cheese</a> post. The kid-preferred stove-top variation is mentioned toward the bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZfyvRhWETPklN4dWYldjlPsxkSQHGzuJ-dmezjaujnmq4RToBOklWlhg_iWDPpFNBxH2v4nKIkMAFbPP_2jVrTjhbaSN3ZhYFvvLwGvR-VnFVUg1pONslSE0g253R_SRPlOCLCARtxQr/s1600/IMG_20170531_161436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZfyvRhWETPklN4dWYldjlPsxkSQHGzuJ-dmezjaujnmq4RToBOklWlhg_iWDPpFNBxH2v4nKIkMAFbPP_2jVrTjhbaSN3ZhYFvvLwGvR-VnFVUg1pONslSE0g253R_SRPlOCLCARtxQr/s320/IMG_20170531_161436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One thing that I love about cooking is that it is a great teaching opportunity. As we cooked, we talked about the science behind what we were doing. Why do we add flour to the cheese sauce? To thicken it. How does flour thicken things? The individual flour granules act like little sponges--they soak up the liquid and swell up. Why do we stir the flour into the butter rather than just mix it directly into the milk? To separate the flour granules before they swell so we don't end up with lumpy cheese sauce. I love it! I get one-on-one time with one child, dinner gets made, they learn a life skill, and they learn the concepts behind cooking so they can apply them to other dishes.<br />
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Another great benefit of having the kids cook for everyone else is that it teaches them to serve and be grateful. Koda was so happy to make macaroni and cheese for his family. And they were so appreciative. Every other kid complimented him on his dish without prompting. My heart swelled as I sat at the dinner table and heard the kids showing love to each other. Having the kids cook means more time prepping dinner and more mess, but it is a small price to pay for the character rewards gleaned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43k7CAmp1eGzV-UdWgbW7ux6dYChbDPqRCambc8JzgSDxEsG_zxgUX6OZLDi7TjKxHUgTQctZR75SAQ3GBJ6QR_vYxrraAF6__QXPOtF4di4FKx5tnkzEObF86zPobUeeL9OCQYr6Vb76/s1600/IMG_20170531_170705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43k7CAmp1eGzV-UdWgbW7ux6dYChbDPqRCambc8JzgSDxEsG_zxgUX6OZLDi7TjKxHUgTQctZR75SAQ3GBJ6QR_vYxrraAF6__QXPOtF4di4FKx5tnkzEObF86zPobUeeL9OCQYr6Vb76/s320/IMG_20170531_170705.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud of his accomplishment!</td></tr>
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<br />Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-42285618936610626232017-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-24T09:00:18.681-08:00Homemade Deodorant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTBNI_NTWbSgT92XrQRq63Zhjs92GKsrTtPOXR1kK9EassfQRGoHubU60SOMSaKfwzFKUOi1XMB3TXp6E_I4xxxqOV9Kmmnp5_wryDYOxs819oE02FKQOTvl7X5-dxa2vzdqkxkuoARg/s1600/16325925_738141962030_325267236_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homemade Deodorant" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTBNI_NTWbSgT92XrQRq63Zhjs92GKsrTtPOXR1kK9EassfQRGoHubU60SOMSaKfwzFKUOi1XMB3TXp6E_I4xxxqOV9Kmmnp5_wryDYOxs819oE02FKQOTvl7X5-dxa2vzdqkxkuoARg/s200/16325925_738141962030_325267236_o.jpg" title="Homemade Deodorant" width="200" /></a></div>
Folks, I have stopped buying deodorant. Early last year, I came across a recipe for deodorant that I had heard worked incredibly well. I was a little skeptical, but also intrigued, so I filed it away mentally and moved on with my life. The deodorant I had been using was no longer working. I had to apply several times a day and it still didn't work. So one day, out of desperation (and curiosity), I searched for the recipe and mixed up a batch. I was surprised and amazed at how well it worked. I continued using it, testing its limits (hey, I'm a mom and don't always get a shower), and I'm happy to say that it hasn't disappointed. I told my sister about this amazing new discovery, and after a few months of her not trying it, I finally mixed up a batch and gave it to her. She's now hooked too! And she's also got her husband hooked. And her 12-year-old daughter. I don't think I've ever used a deodorant that worked as well as this...nor was as cheap as this! The great thing about it is that it is made with ingredients that I already had, and many of you probably have them as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0rual3lz4Zg_-5ixuM73K4Yz5rfQulH3Mwqgm_VhfFG9zxCmi42XXFH_0cr2x4SlKz2yau2d-35NqQkx-quPE6yGzEh3U7qEuXzomNloQo_sKTkwZlA_WHrs87WaFHlkOGV_6BYY_wU/s1600/16326411_738141972010_740180423_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Natural, homemade deodorant" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0rual3lz4Zg_-5ixuM73K4Yz5rfQulH3Mwqgm_VhfFG9zxCmi42XXFH_0cr2x4SlKz2yau2d-35NqQkx-quPE6yGzEh3U7qEuXzomNloQo_sKTkwZlA_WHrs87WaFHlkOGV_6BYY_wU/s320/16326411_738141972010_740180423_o.jpg" title="Natural, homemade deodorant" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Homemade Deodorant</u><br />
<div>
1/4 cup baking soda</div>
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1/4 cup cornstarch</div>
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6 Tbsp coconut oil<br />
Essential oil (optional)</div>
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Mix until it's well-combined into paste-like consistency. Place in a lidded Tupperware-type container, jar, or an empty deodorant dispenser. If you want a scent, you can add some essential oil to it. I don't add any scents to mine.</div>
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I store mine in little condiment cups I found at Smart & Final, but you can put it in any container/jar with a lid. The ones I use are similar to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Translucent-Condiment-Restaurants-Super-Outlet/dp/B01EKB4096/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1484783913&sr=8-8&keywords=condiment+cup+with+lid" target="_blank">these</a>. One batch filled up three cups. To apply, I just put a little on my finger and apply. Just be careful when putting on dark-colored shirts, as the baking soda and corn starch may leave a little bit of residue.<br />
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Sumiko whipped up a batch and put it in an old deodorant dispenser. Since it's winter and her house is cold (read: frigid :)), it works well. She said she just has to be cautious that she doesn't twist out more than she needs, because it doesn't twist back down. Also, if your house is warm, it may be too runny for this. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5TBq01rMfhoNIZPsYFwDgCSHo_0MULtHpT1DQr8MC91QHv2SgwE5Zg4lfCLPLP3LSb-PaGshng1Y6bDGbyZXK9UKmuRmUdeb75K1_tPVx6RRYzP5ZPnUk9o9jgBqUz7peQ2-nMYHLaS1/s1600/IMG_20170118_192247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5TBq01rMfhoNIZPsYFwDgCSHo_0MULtHpT1DQr8MC91QHv2SgwE5Zg4lfCLPLP3LSb-PaGshng1Y6bDGbyZXK9UKmuRmUdeb75K1_tPVx6RRYzP5ZPnUk9o9jgBqUz7peQ2-nMYHLaS1/s320/IMG_20170118_192247.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twist out contents completely.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rIGhcSARw2NQR9u6kJYyl1lyjXjcETjyB-hyjDLlY7e53aqjz4fni3a4vsRtA4Bwm97-QsxSmpcJqsczwIpkRX619iWYiaiVOlfQiZb_Oq7ENQ2TMTh616EDQ6jlvcTEbLL5dgqxX4_B/s1600/IMG_20170118_192441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rIGhcSARw2NQR9u6kJYyl1lyjXjcETjyB-hyjDLlY7e53aqjz4fni3a4vsRtA4Bwm97-QsxSmpcJqsczwIpkRX619iWYiaiVOlfQiZb_Oq7ENQ2TMTh616EDQ6jlvcTEbLL5dgqxX4_B/s320/IMG_20170118_192441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove product from plastic base. Return base to container.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy4mg-YqjvMzgcnTHxF8775vh6qgqjPNneI5ZA1PFlXwQJvYDmvpJoujo60nJPJtyef4snU3jKW0xmQRZ7wqSMGvvHQi0juaObunL7gOw2ylBFezSbNMQK5LEHdzs1Q8Y91-033EED7e4/s1600/IMG_20170118_200939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy4mg-YqjvMzgcnTHxF8775vh6qgqjPNneI5ZA1PFlXwQJvYDmvpJoujo60nJPJtyef4snU3jKW0xmQRZ7wqSMGvvHQi0juaObunL7gOw2ylBFezSbNMQK5LEHdzs1Q8Y91-033EED7e4/s320/IMG_20170118_200939.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just twist and apply.</td></tr>
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Seriously, I can't believe I'm this excited about deodorant, but I am. Give it a try! I think you'll like it!<br />
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Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-4019588632493537592017-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-10T09:00:21.344-08:00The Great Purge of 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things. We have too many of them. And they are taking over our lives.<br />
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A simple Google search of "getting rid of stuff" returns over 3 million results. As a society, we recognize the fact that we have too much--so much that our possessions are getting in the way of more important parts of our lives. Yet we also live in a very consumeristic, materialistic society that always wants more.<br />
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Since this is the beginning of a new year, I recently sat down and looked at my purpose statement, mission statements, and long-term and short-term life goals (that will have to be a different post). For my home, my mission statement reads as follows: Maintain my home as a refuge and sanctuary where my family can thrive and grow and others can be refreshed and encouraged. My someday goal for my home reads this way: Live minimally and with organization and systems such that the care of the home is a joy and not a consuming burden.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many partial bottles of dried paint do I need? NONE!</td></tr>
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In order to fulfill my mission and reach my goal, I need to seriously deal with the THINGS. The STUFF. Not that I haven't been trying to do that the past few years, but this year I am going to make a noticeable difference in my house. The plan requires a two-fold approach. First, we are going to control what comes into the house. Second, we are going to get rid of at least 2017 things this year. Thanks to my friend Debbie for this idea!<br />
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As I write this, we are five days into the new year, and I've already gotten rid of more than fifty (50!) items! Throughout the year, I will post updates on my progress here on the blog as well as on our FB page. If you would like to join us in our quest to reclaim the space in our homes and the time in our day, please comment to let us know. The communal encouragement will help us all be more successful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn4nDWV2KLwqTa2RM34TFQIggQ26Q2kzkfAMHDsL3e3w8RpiWwRmAioe_3wiqqZl8ZnIKHEl_bBG3KN6Mtw4e1ih8IoKfmgtgWl-PBc7lLy5Gmf24epiYaUzbTb6eDCCcAcRe0m0S56rZ/s1600/IMG_20170104_224726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn4nDWV2KLwqTa2RM34TFQIggQ26Q2kzkfAMHDsL3e3w8RpiWwRmAioe_3wiqqZl8ZnIKHEl_bBG3KN6Mtw4e1ih8IoKfmgtgWl-PBc7lLy5Gmf24epiYaUzbTb6eDCCcAcRe0m0S56rZ/s320/IMG_20170104_224726.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the ones I got rid of. I counted every<br />three as one item.</td></tr>
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BTW, one of my favorite articles about getting rid of stuff can be found <a href="http://www.mother.ly/life/how-getting-rid-of-stuff-saved-my-motherhood" target="_blank">here</a>.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-16202293774623213602017-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:002017-01-06T07:00:05.928-08:00Make-Ahead, Freezable CarnitasI have no new recipe for you today - just a helpful hint regarding an old recipe. A few years ago, I had posted a recipe for my favorite <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2012/03/kimikos-carnitas-and-our-easter-menu.html" target="_blank">carnitas</a>. It is still a regular meal in our house, since I can get pork shoulder cheap (and, well, it's just amazingly delicious). And since they're large cuts of meat, I make a lot and freeze the leftovers. I was recently able to get pork shoulder picnic roast for 69 cents/lb. I bought almost 16 lbs and paid just under $11. I fed 11 people (7 adults, 4 kids) dinner with some leftovers, plus bagged 3 more meals for the freezer. You can get the recipe <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2012/03/kimikos-carnitas-and-our-easter-menu.html" target="_blank">here</a>. And you can do a lot more than just make tacos or burritos with this meat. We also like to make taco salad, quesadillas, nachos, tostadas, omelettes, etc. This week we made burritos and filled them with carnitas, homemade pico de gallo, avocados, cheese, lime rice, lettuce, sour cream, and hot sauce. <br />
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Once the meat is done cooking in the crockpot (and before it's put in the oven), I divide it up into meal-sized portions and place into gallon zip-top bags. I also divide up the reserved seasoning into snack size zip top bags. Then I take a seasoning bag, lay it on top of the sealed gallon bag, roll them up together, and put a piece of tape at the top to hold it all in place. This way the meat and the seasoning are together and I don't have to worry about losing the seasoning (or forgetting where I put it :)). Before I fill the bags, I write what's in them, the date, and cooking instructions. When I want to eat it, I pull a bag from the freezer and defrost. I heat the meat, then place it on a large pan (I use a jellyroll pan) and sprinkle with the seasoning. It's placed it in a preheated 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until crispy. This makes for a quick and easy meal. In fact, before I had my last baby, I made sure I had some of this in my freezer for after baby came.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBzGRi19sI69-1wis0pkCRcAh-7T5COQRnMnQiLOXKQ9azjtkjW-bTLDxe5yLEw6ezQynsTkG3TAN9idmmZIR-bSuRXAUfbeX1x_X-9vLUKPJlqHnw5DT85KRxZjnE7KxoRNqAlV0LuE/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Make-ahead, freezable carnitas" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBzGRi19sI69-1wis0pkCRcAh-7T5COQRnMnQiLOXKQ9azjtkjW-bTLDxe5yLEw6ezQynsTkG3TAN9idmmZIR-bSuRXAUfbeX1x_X-9vLUKPJlqHnw5DT85KRxZjnE7KxoRNqAlV0LuE/s320/IMG_4707.jpg" title="Make-ahead, freezable carnitas" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasoning packet and meat ready to be rolled up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWicxYgSyfsGAUEplRW6Af7NEVhUm77W4szHHVNQh4vnrbrnCVM3tTv_v6nd5yW2gCgn9tt7eEWzT1B_bPTxUpdtszBBR7Bw51-P5vscX_e23n4wmiqNao0SczfAY9req2HCAOgRfgwNk/s1600/IMG_4706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="make-ahead, freezable, carnitas" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWicxYgSyfsGAUEplRW6Af7NEVhUm77W4szHHVNQh4vnrbrnCVM3tTv_v6nd5yW2gCgn9tt7eEWzT1B_bPTxUpdtszBBR7Bw51-P5vscX_e23n4wmiqNao0SczfAY9req2HCAOgRfgwNk/s320/IMG_4706.jpg" title="make-ahead, freezable, carnitas" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seasoning packet is rolled up inside of this and <br />
the whole thing is secured with a piece of tape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_C5g6NfT1UEr8w9GeE6cKH7IVBmTkAhyQ2kG4l1060oCwVkDzwDBYvgKNgWuP6x1EzFdba5t6cCOVfBWluT-fLMBpq65B-Bqg28cQDt1j2JuF1f8zZMj5gtE8p12ylwtbGUrbMidHfA/s1600/IMG_4705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="make-ahead, freezable, carnitas" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_C5g6NfT1UEr8w9GeE6cKH7IVBmTkAhyQ2kG4l1060oCwVkDzwDBYvgKNgWuP6x1EzFdba5t6cCOVfBWluT-fLMBpq65B-Bqg28cQDt1j2JuF1f8zZMj5gtE8p12ylwtbGUrbMidHfA/s320/IMG_4705.jpg" title="make-ahead, freezable, carnitas" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product, ready for the freezer.</td></tr>
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Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-52010514282817235292017-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-03T09:00:18.658-08:00Kids' Chore Chart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVYI_XHTIK3-0k7-BnoxA7rvUIVO6CqmYFTfKI_yJlbHpI-A_z0aryU3ZeGY6_fqIFxYZynxUMzxDMVJ5hExMZt9trc0QDbIIEy-OnsQGysg8qCuBaAjh5bo9K-19TKLGyUlpHNdk70Cz/s1600/IMG_20170102_145755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="To Do Chore Chart" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVYI_XHTIK3-0k7-BnoxA7rvUIVO6CqmYFTfKI_yJlbHpI-A_z0aryU3ZeGY6_fqIFxYZynxUMzxDMVJ5hExMZt9trc0QDbIIEy-OnsQGysg8qCuBaAjh5bo9K-19TKLGyUlpHNdk70Cz/s320/IMG_20170102_145755.jpg" title="To Do Chore Chart" width="240" /></a></div>
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As I was evaluating where most of my wasted time and energy go, I realized it was in telling the kids to do things that need to be done on a regular basis. I needed a chore chart. I needed one that I could change as our needs changed, but I didn't want to have to keep printing them every week. And my kids are masters at losing papers.<div>
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After browsing Pinterest, I came up with a color-coded magnetic chore chart.</div>
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Each kid has chores for morning (before school/church/leaving the house), afternoon, and evening (before bed). This is great for helping the little ones keep track of what needs to be done when.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino611X3qG6sAxPF7BpKzSsr7LQm0Y2_yjS00GBlU-8RDexrri89cYX8BckstJpni8-eYUJHhc9WVYNjXY6EqNsy5hwsTWOHs3TvK4rhWdq5k1uaVamS0usbsfvs_160DkKTHrbyHEOyT8/s1600/IMG_20170102_145810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kids' Chore Chart" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino611X3qG6sAxPF7BpKzSsr7LQm0Y2_yjS00GBlU-8RDexrri89cYX8BckstJpni8-eYUJHhc9WVYNjXY6EqNsy5hwsTWOHs3TvK4rhWdq5k1uaVamS0usbsfvs_160DkKTHrbyHEOyT8/s320/IMG_20170102_145810.jpg" title="Kids' Chore Chart" width="320" /></a></div>
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I color-coded the pieces so they don't get mixed up. I also made a few black chore pieces for the chores that get rotated (feeding the bunny, sweep the dining room, etc.). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckPXHQ2qPAM8YahBSg_Xu7rjSq-XAPm5PiImn-wu3YdBa6O8lNZFPRI-IUp5v7koZ9rXbuY2qoDQ8ve7EVntNoVow6nwO7QVtVxyP8Ftb4q4oh8BZMzC4jPbSNYGdFMhBJG4CyG13__6U/s1600/IMG_20170102_150040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckPXHQ2qPAM8YahBSg_Xu7rjSq-XAPm5PiImn-wu3YdBa6O8lNZFPRI-IUp5v7koZ9rXbuY2qoDQ8ve7EVntNoVow6nwO7QVtVxyP8Ftb4q4oh8BZMzC4jPbSNYGdFMhBJG4CyG13__6U/s320/IMG_20170102_150040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once a chore is done, the piece is moved from the "To Do" board to the "Done" board.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qtaiXHunj48UTsJth6vhZKsmjgMmSp-TTH5wUF6_FssGLDaer5J1Luec96g2qy11xK2PpUGn-49gq-hvwwNkA1gnKu8s7_9sfBizUgQonKMWSJhAQ-ANOJkwhuMRGVJRcW5T2c7PgAB/s1600/IMG_20170102_145742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kids' Chore Chart" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8qtaiXHunj48UTsJth6vhZKsmjgMmSp-TTH5wUF6_FssGLDaer5J1Luec96g2qy11xK2PpUGn-49gq-hvwwNkA1gnKu8s7_9sfBizUgQonKMWSJhAQ-ANOJkwhuMRGVJRcW5T2c7PgAB/s320/IMG_20170102_145742.jpg" title="Kids' Chore Chart" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found the white framed magnetic chalkboards at Target for about $10 (they were about $20 at another local Target). I don't see them on their website.</div>
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I made the chore pieces with the following supplies that I ordered from Amazon.com:</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TPRX4HA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">1.5-inch wooden discs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AKS06W/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">0.5-inch magnets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007LVE0/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">1-inch printable labels</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEojKXZoqz76qfXoYqqiYSGKrny26kS9gruAifw2jGJP6mX_tZ_PFYcrtpuLSwzp-Bkpb7bEeKz7sf9EOB5nVkBg8nxpb_nNis7aS7se80BnQ7oKoIvcgFrq96Sge2s__b9fOK2heHlNhd/s1600/IMG_20170102_150237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Chore Chart Supplies" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEojKXZoqz76qfXoYqqiYSGKrny26kS9gruAifw2jGJP6mX_tZ_PFYcrtpuLSwzp-Bkpb7bEeKz7sf9EOB5nVkBg8nxpb_nNis7aS7se80BnQ7oKoIvcgFrq96Sge2s__b9fOK2heHlNhd/s320/IMG_20170102_150237.jpg" title="DIY Chore Chart Supplies" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using hot glue, I attached one magnet to each wooden circle. At this point, I spray painted them. I recommend painting after adding the magnets so they don't stick to the surface you are spray painting on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhmoh2mVf_ASngD2GBuKWuJoQVc5dg5xdldJsdS0hqKIYHfgRa0rQgSC6AIjN4THkpg5eGgP_uHRkqLlH_BZXZMebNSpBc8GO5Pwv2szAWBMj0FfA6TArtGbGHUPEjw4Q76r7ziLIOUL4/s1600/IMG_20170102_153453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhmoh2mVf_ASngD2GBuKWuJoQVc5dg5xdldJsdS0hqKIYHfgRa0rQgSC6AIjN4THkpg5eGgP_uHRkqLlH_BZXZMebNSpBc8GO5Pwv2szAWBMj0FfA6TArtGbGHUPEjw4Q76r7ziLIOUL4/s320/IMG_20170102_153453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When the paint was dry, I added the labels I had printed using the web-based template on <a href="http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Software/Avery-Design--Print-Online.htm?int_id=avery-newsandtlandingpage-adpo" target="_blank">Avery's website</a>. I went ahead and created an account so I can reprint any time I need to. The labels didn't stick to April's sparkly glitter pieces, so I added two layers of Mod Podge.</div>
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After I had made all the pieces, I recruited my super talented husband to do the lettering.</div>
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Since implementing this chore chart, all I need to say is "Check the chart." And at a quick glance, I can see who hasn't done what. This has definitely streamlined those stressful parts of the day.</div>
Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-4149407864255499192017-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:002017-01-02T14:58:01.016-08:00New Year, New Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1IlHzEh8MsELhJt0KLwUzwYNWGF8KCA5IuSWHcK5Ugh9Ta9HGsHAIehCfIt-Vpu0_cgKUvuxOcPwxPRx6BF3d_scArNob_YWwX2i-A3FfTbMyDks71lHH2E4FT9GiHnJaSkBZcDHYK5K/s1600/IMG_20170102_143950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1IlHzEh8MsELhJt0KLwUzwYNWGF8KCA5IuSWHcK5Ugh9Ta9HGsHAIehCfIt-Vpu0_cgKUvuxOcPwxPRx6BF3d_scArNob_YWwX2i-A3FfTbMyDks71lHH2E4FT9GiHnJaSkBZcDHYK5K/s320/IMG_20170102_143950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, 2016 is over and we're two days into 2017. Near to Nothing had only three posts last year--three. And yet, our site visits and page views continued at a pretty steady rate. Thank you to everyone who has pinned or shared our posts!<br />
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Life is busier than ever for both of us, but we have not forgotten about the blog or about our readers. One thing we would like to do to try to increase our posts and help you is to expand our focus. Up until now, our focus has been mainly food. We will continue with food posts as we are able, but you will see new aspects of our lives start to pop up.<br />
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As we looked around us, we realized the Near to Nothing is our philosophy for almost all areas of our lives. We would like to share how we apply those principles in areas outside the kitchen. So join us as we strive to live Near to Nothing.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-78272692408251939882016-10-25T12:03:00.000-07:002016-10-25T12:03:48.533-07:00"Most Definitely the Most Disturbing Cake I've Ever Made"Our kids are spoiled. It's birthday tradition in both of our houses to let the kids pick their birthday cake. Then we figure out how to make it. Between the two of us with our seven children, we've made a Cheerio box cake, a ladybug cake, a goldfish cracker cake, a princess castle cake, a Hello Kitty cake, a super hero cake, a space ship cake, a duck pond cake, a little man cake, and now...<br />
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A TOOMGIS CAKE!!</div>
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Yes, you read that correctly. Toomgis.</div>
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For those of you who are unfamiliar with Toomgis, check him out here:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fra_4JLINsM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fra_4JLINsM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Toomgis recently threw out the <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/789861422956183553" target="_blank">first pitch</a> at a Dodgers game that my sister and her family happened to be at. Well, then-2-year-old Karis fell in love. And she knew she wanted a Toomgis cake. My sister rose to the challenge and produced this amazing Toomgis look-alike for Karis's 3rd birthday last week:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce4GbpzoNDgE7RnF8oIscs-8drpHtga5eTBPXahJ9aq2qSiqy1dqYikNPrgs-DsksI6rbKLZI1gPcv0dQsnZcNNxIQeANv4pKeN4KdhI68OBNsLpH0ur0r4XuER-9ys8uwjere3MgLKEz/s1600/14610932_719815982440_5740440620146223156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toomgis Cake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce4GbpzoNDgE7RnF8oIscs-8drpHtga5eTBPXahJ9aq2qSiqy1dqYikNPrgs-DsksI6rbKLZI1gPcv0dQsnZcNNxIQeANv4pKeN4KdhI68OBNsLpH0ur0r4XuER-9ys8uwjere3MgLKEz/s320/14610932_719815982440_5740440620146223156_n.jpg" title="Toomgis Cake" width="240" /></a></div>
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Kimiko commented that "this is most definitely the most disturbing cake I've ever made."<br />
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But Karis loved her Toomgis cake and had a great birthday. Too Much Good Stuff!</div>
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Check out these other cake posts:</div>
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-<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/09/cake-series-peanut-butter-filling.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Filling</a></div>
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-<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/10/cake-series-leveling-torting-and.html" target="_blank">Leveling, Torting, and Filling Cakes</a></div>
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-<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/08/chocolate-cake.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Cake</a></div>
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-<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/11/cake-series-chcoloate-almond-and.html" target="_blank">Chocolate, Almond, and Caramel Filling</a></div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-87621067381911011162016-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:002016-09-23T15:54:32.570-07:00Greek Salad with Chicken<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG09_fM-mlQPJfc0JPS2_xpmfpcSf1dh-Bi4MEGsf-fI6-bp5eszzRk1P2ZmL4v99JXkZ1eNGBLJksjnTj9cf7yGbomxdQdgxslWxoEuXeqymABCb-pv6gEsDUB8UWWfVz2m6Fx7ZD6U/s1600/IMG_5603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG09_fM-mlQPJfc0JPS2_xpmfpcSf1dh-Bi4MEGsf-fI6-bp5eszzRk1P2ZmL4v99JXkZ1eNGBLJksjnTj9cf7yGbomxdQdgxslWxoEuXeqymABCb-pv6gEsDUB8UWWfVz2m6Fx7ZD6U/s320/IMG_5603.jpg" title="Greek Salad with Chicken" width="244" /></a>I realize that salads are typically more of a summer meal, but we eat salads all year at my house (plus it's still very much summer where I live). I'm not sure if this is because a) I'm too lazy to actually cook something, or b) we don't really have a true winter here (unless you consider lows in the 50s winter). Salads are also economical as they allow a small amount of meat to go a long way. <br />
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One of our favorite salads is a <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/06/americanized-greek-salad.html" target="_blank">Greek salad</a> that I posted 5 years ago. It's so good that it really deserves to be mentioned again, but I've tweaked it ever so slightly to make it an entree! I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner because it's so simple. Add some chicken to the salad and, BAM, you've got a healthy and affordable entree! You can use any kind of chicken you want - grilled, <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/09/all-purpose-sauteed-chicken-breasts.html" target="_blank">sauteed</a>, rotisserie, leftovers, etc. If I've recently made a <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/07/slow-cooker-roasted-chicken.html" target="_blank">whole chicken</a> and have leftover meat, I'll use that for this. If I don't have any leftovers on hand, I'll typically season boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I can often get these for $1.66-$1.77/lb on sale so I stock up and throw them in the freezer) with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and sautee in butter or throw them on the grill. And for our family of 5, I can get away with 2 chicken breasts and usually have leftover meat for the lunch the next day.<br />
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You can use a bottled salad dressing, but I highly recommend you make the dressing below. It tastes a-maz-ing (thanks to my sister-in-law for sharing it with me!), and it's healthier and much cheaper than store bought dressings. My 7-year-old daughter LOVES it and always asks me if we have *that* dressing, even when we're not having a Greek salad.<br />
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On an economical note, I realize that Feta can be pricey. I typically buy a chunk rather than crumbled Feta, because it's cheaper per ounce, and let's face it - it's really not hard to crumble your own Feta. I've been omitting the olives as half of my family doesn't like olives and not using them also brings the cost down a bit.<br />
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<u>Greek Salad</u><br />
Romaine lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces<br />
Tomatoes, diced<br />
Green bell peppers, diced<br />
Red bell peppers, diced<br />
Red onions, sliced<br />
Cucumbers, chopped large<br />
Olives, sliced (either kalamata or black will work)<br />
Feta cheese, crumbled<br />
Greek salad dressing (recipe below)<br />
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can either toss it all with the dressing or have people put their dressing on individually. If you choose to toss the salad with the dressing, make sure you add it immediately prior to serving so that the lettuce doesn't get soggy.<br />
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<u>Greek Salad Dressing</u><br />
1/2 cup olive oil<br />
1 1/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 1/4 tsp dried oregano<br />
1 1/4 tsp dried basil<br />
1 tsp ground black pepper<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp onion powder<br />
1 tsp Dijon mustard<br />
1/2 cup red wine vinegar<br />
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Combine all ingredients in a salad carafe and shake well. If the dressing is too tangy for your taste, you can add a little sugar to tone it down a bit. To help prevent separation, you can put all ingredients except the oil into a blender or food processor. While the blender or food processor is running, slowly add the oil. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUf7ehjGDJN9l1sZBhC0l3trP9-_on4wIL0HICK3wwapp-a_Bs0c-zPHQPRbfCSGSclQFqwPOOEOhB9kPKoN-Td4Z-8ZBNgBf3kvGWXXL0jRCWb36r6C1FRf2w2Fc_wATJRUAQbyeTAw/s1600/IMG_5602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUf7ehjGDJN9l1sZBhC0l3trP9-_on4wIL0HICK3wwapp-a_Bs0c-zPHQPRbfCSGSclQFqwPOOEOhB9kPKoN-Td4Z-8ZBNgBf3kvGWXXL0jRCWb36r6C1FRf2w2Fc_wATJRUAQbyeTAw/s320/IMG_5602.jpg" title="Trim Healthy Mama, THM S, THM Salad" width="240" /></a></div>
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Note: For those doing Trim Healthy Mama, this is an excellent S!Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-67994567516607064122016-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:002016-07-19T09:00:11.682-07:00Kids in the Kitchen--April Makes Scrambled Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA1o5z5qE_GxuG6fIGMwFYeBweeYUZl3ZaCbd3qEQEskeZzL76VpPMbSBDvroE8WBRPb2j9NMz1FXFCvdUIvYfqL-RxvGrMW1MY2PmcOLB6X7hTvQxF3IAe0SH3Te2k6iBGFHJ69oFyf4/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA1o5z5qE_GxuG6fIGMwFYeBweeYUZl3ZaCbd3qEQEskeZzL76VpPMbSBDvroE8WBRPb2j9NMz1FXFCvdUIvYfqL-RxvGrMW1MY2PmcOLB6X7hTvQxF3IAe0SH3Te2k6iBGFHJ69oFyf4/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First off, our apologies. We haven't posted anything new in over a year. We have a ton of posts to write for you, but our lives keep getting busier and busier. At the same time, we love blogging about food and family and truly desire to continue to do so. We hope this is the first of many more posts to come in the near future.<br />
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Last summer we started a routine in our house. Each kid is responsible to cook dinner one night each week. They plan the menu, do the prep work, cook the meal, and set the table. When it's time to sit down to eat, one of the other siblings prays for the meal and include giving thanks for the one who did the cooking.<br />
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When I started posting about this on my personal FB page last summer, I received some questions about how I get my kids involved in the kitchen. At that time, the kids were 11, 7, and 4. So this summer, I've been taking pictures of their dinner nights so I can share with all of you. Of course, you know your own children and their limits and abilities. Since there are a lot of opportunities for injuries in the kitchen, always supervise your children and never let them do anything outside their skill level. At the same time, don't underestimate what they are capable of. Teach new skills by demonstrating and talking them through it. Then help them do it. Finally, watch them do it themselves.<br />
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Technically, April isn't making dinner in these pictures, but she is involved in the kitchen. And she has become so good at making scrambled eggs, that she can do the whole thing herself. I just light the stove for her because our igniters are broken and we have to use matches. She probably makes eggs 4-5 days a week now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyhkfxaVKz9ffQpJCRgGM8XlpIgV3TBMwJNipql8yIx5kTvKUsyqQ-E55_ScP0xiCduLuienM6O1gpXkdyj8PqhrbZlZEFKLe-yb6GZj-MuGLsbUFwL1gP-0qvyqyoWwiffJWDPRVcMAN/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyhkfxaVKz9ffQpJCRgGM8XlpIgV3TBMwJNipql8yIx5kTvKUsyqQ-E55_ScP0xiCduLuienM6O1gpXkdyj8PqhrbZlZEFKLe-yb6GZj-MuGLsbUFwL1gP-0qvyqyoWwiffJWDPRVcMAN/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First she collects her ingredients and tools.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBacWY7W0OKNHgyMOnRPuh9GQ-mqo7dO-zEJWBzrB0Sz6sv9Euux3undHRdjOvjsZaIlad59d3Xm7JkiTOOxWiaqhZIiSsV3r8T3_2sC6NFJccUlfdm9EsToPeUZ_gU0OUfcFPWfexAweE/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBacWY7W0OKNHgyMOnRPuh9GQ-mqo7dO-zEJWBzrB0Sz6sv9Euux3undHRdjOvjsZaIlad59d3Xm7JkiTOOxWiaqhZIiSsV3r8T3_2sC6NFJccUlfdm9EsToPeUZ_gU0OUfcFPWfexAweE/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHr_a7LcscHxV7RUGZwfJI-QqGnVQ-ARtm_tVXJ6x29dqPwQ9n00wARZCZLK1mdkDqiD6laPh8Hr8NR1tfrgnPGrSem5eN7xXgkU_uaXNuqa83hI2USK1944pNZJrfGrEpuT5e8Ub1wRz/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHr_a7LcscHxV7RUGZwfJI-QqGnVQ-ARtm_tVXJ6x29dqPwQ9n00wARZCZLK1mdkDqiD6laPh8Hr8NR1tfrgnPGrSem5eN7xXgkU_uaXNuqa83hI2USK1944pNZJrfGrEpuT5e8Ub1wRz/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love those little hands!</td></tr>
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The easiest way to end up with shell-free eggs is to break them into a clear dish. This day April was breaking them into my quart Pyrex. Once the eggs are cracked, pick up the dish and look through the bottom. The shells will have sunk to the bottom. You can use a spoon to fish them out, but April and I find it easier to just use our clean fingers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNlGmH8052klLnFaq8Ihs2Ril5U_eAAHyqEg52xUqqxts7_98SbGQCUphl5ouzwMwdN6M46s3ELL4E-0VYGSeI4rxPnC1t7rJHlmeCN6RD_i08qVR6KZwfVU1HbJth1ffXySeQ-iYwiYl/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNlGmH8052klLnFaq8Ihs2Ril5U_eAAHyqEg52xUqqxts7_98SbGQCUphl5ouzwMwdN6M46s3ELL4E-0VYGSeI4rxPnC1t7rJHlmeCN6RD_i08qVR6KZwfVU1HbJth1ffXySeQ-iYwiYl/s320/IMG_2528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cooking is a great way for kids to learn math skills in a practical setting. April is just learning to recognize fractions, but the boys are learning how to double and triple amounts when they cook.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrHhl65itUjnWZfPEzbay61o6PHDrWWCIqREXtQxo93SYELznW6H5WWiVjn8pDhqhMh6dIisQ0wdwu6d7s5NxCj8NRObKMycA6WKS4O2-aAm0fPDQfFWjqTLxC-Pv-wTwdRvROcWqzHho/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrHhl65itUjnWZfPEzbay61o6PHDrWWCIqREXtQxo93SYELznW6H5WWiVjn8pDhqhMh6dIisQ0wdwu6d7s5NxCj8NRObKMycA6WKS4O2-aAm0fPDQfFWjqTLxC-Pv-wTwdRvROcWqzHho/s320/IMG_2530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another fun aspect of cooking for kids is getting to use the kitchen tools and gadgets. For some reason she used a fork the day I took these pictures, but she is usually really thrilled to get to use the wire whisk.</div>
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These were plain eggs. She usually makes green eggs with sausage. Just add a few drops of green food coloring and throw some cut-up cooked sausage on top after pouring the eggs into the hot pan. And remember: it is imperative that you let the pan get hot before adding to eggs to prevent them from sticking. See the post <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-stick-scrambled-eggs.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<u>April's Scrambled Eggs</u></div>
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4-6 eggs</div>
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1 1/2-2 Tbsp. cream</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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few shakes pepper</div>
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few drops green food coloring (optional)</div>
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sausage, cooked and chopped</div>
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Heat pan over medium to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, crack eggs into clear dish. Look through bottom to find and remove any shells. Whisk in cream, salt, pepper, and green food coloring if desired. Add butter or oil to heated pan. Pour egg mixture into pan. If desired, toss sausage on top. Turn heat down to medium. Once bubbles start to form, stir to scramble. Cook until desired doneness, stirring occasionally.</div>
Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-35351800490281805002015-06-02T21:44:00.002-07:002015-06-02T21:48:53.561-07:00Watermelon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy373NxY-2AVJPCV9T_rZgxf5p3rY9rVvRaB9hYJJ54BfkxFNhp_4AfnMbXsX-cR9r3s4eTjhy6vYsUPWdSBI0cnJ0l53-vXhFNOy5Ul15mouDh9PCh2dD_aBoYSaARcc0LrLWkTOGmVS7/s1600/IMG_20150602_143359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy373NxY-2AVJPCV9T_rZgxf5p3rY9rVvRaB9hYJJ54BfkxFNhp_4AfnMbXsX-cR9r3s4eTjhy6vYsUPWdSBI0cnJ0l53-vXhFNOy5Ul15mouDh9PCh2dD_aBoYSaARcc0LrLWkTOGmVS7/s320/IMG_20150602_143359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, it's become very clear that we just don't have time to write much these days. Our last post was almost a year ago and that was after not writing for about a year-and-a-half. When it comes down to it, our families and other responsibilities take priority. But now it's summer!! That means I am off work until August! Woohoo! I just finished my first year teaching full time, and was it a challenge. I taught three history classes, one English class, spelling, SOAR (our version of GATE), Yearbook, and PE. It is only by God's grace that I survived. And now it's summer!! I get to spend a ton of time with my family.<br />
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Another bonus of summer is the great produce. Prices come down and flavor goes up. Although, here in California, prices aren't going to be so great this year with the drought we're experiencing. Last week I was at Costco without a list....I know, I broke rule number 1. But we had just returned from out of town and just needed to get something healthy in the house. I was really excited when I saw watermelons for $3.99 each. Not the little personal watermelons; HUGE watermelons! I snatched up two of them.<br />
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I like to listen to other shoppers pick out watermelons. There are so many theories about how to pick a good one--tap on it, push on the end, feel it. I choose to follow Alton Brown's advice and have never been disappointed. It's so easy that I usually let my kids pick them out.<br />
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What makes it so difficult is that watermelons are green. We usually look for the absence of green to tell if fruit is ripe. That's exactly what you do with watermelons. Every one has a spot on it where it was sitting on the ground. That spot will be a different color than the rest of the melon. You want to find a melon that has a ground spot that has no green in it. Ideally, the spot will be creamy whitish/yellowish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WKlhZLUfkD7N3Twpf2Z1wi4cE5VAVL1x1Qx9dvS1edjqzDuOtki1kLE-CCZ4dVYCr8pH0z9G8VCDfCqp_y5XK6pboaRWT4hYlQtRofS1Jl4YPp4zTWInsw2ujlBApRmQ42sBFuflxphi/s1600/IMG_20150602_142423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WKlhZLUfkD7N3Twpf2Z1wi4cE5VAVL1x1Qx9dvS1edjqzDuOtki1kLE-CCZ4dVYCr8pH0z9G8VCDfCqp_y5XK6pboaRWT4hYlQtRofS1Jl4YPp4zTWInsw2ujlBApRmQ42sBFuflxphi/s320/IMG_20150602_142423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next challenge is how to cut and serve the watermelon. The easy way is to wedge it and let the consumers discard the rinds after they have eaten the good part. The downside to this is that my kids waste a lot of good watermelon because they don't want to get too close to the rind. I prefer to cube it. Such a daunting task! I know, I know. We've all seen the YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FggvRvL_NDM). I've tried it. I didn't like it. I have settled on the following procedure for cutting watermelon quickly and cleanly.<br />
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1. Lay a large towel on the counter. Really. No matter how careful you are, it's going to juice everywhere. Use the largest cutting board you have and an appropriately large knife. Cut off both ends. At this point, you can proceed as is, or you can cut it in half crossways for easier handling.<br />
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2. I chose to cut this one in half because it was so huge. Next, go around the edge, cutting off the rind...<br />
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...until you have only the good fruit left.<br />
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3. Slice through in one direction--watermelon steaks!<br />
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4. Push half aside. Lay other half down.<br />
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5. Cut through--watermelon fries!! You can choose to stop right here. This is a good way to eat it.<br />
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6. Cut at a 90 degree angle to your previous cuts to make bite-sized cubes.<br />
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7. Serve. My kids like to eat theirs with toothpicks.<br />
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This was from one watermelon. The large bowl is 5 qts. And this doesn't include what we ate before I took the picture, about the same amount that is in the small bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViXzcyoj2Frx3513IVfMUqDe_vjAYiH7UqdkO1TXLPaOb_9rQUpOVOcw3usyUmZ3FXc9O4R6a_a4J5DdL2BF6vWTn4kE5FEko2qwZmsoWz5Ft9zwN2wlsPRAQmHbaff6sqiVXP1sIX1TL/s1600/IMG_20150602_144923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViXzcyoj2Frx3513IVfMUqDe_vjAYiH7UqdkO1TXLPaOb_9rQUpOVOcw3usyUmZ3FXc9O4R6a_a4J5DdL2BF6vWTn4kE5FEko2qwZmsoWz5Ft9zwN2wlsPRAQmHbaff6sqiVXP1sIX1TL/s320/IMG_20150602_144923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And since I put the towel down, clean up was quick and easy!Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-9936497908452985582014-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T07:00:01.412-07:00Weekly Meal Plan and Shopping Trip (A little late!)This post is a few weeks late, but here it is! Hopefully I'll have this week's up in a more timely manner, as well as some new recipes!<br />
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Monday: Manicotti, Salad, <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/12/garlic-bread.html" target="_blank">Garlic Bread</a><br />
Tuesday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2012/06/bbq-chicken-salad.html" target="_blank">BBQ Chicken Salad</a><br />
Wednesday: Leftovers<br />
Thursday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/chicken-spaghetti-casserole.html" target="_blank">Chicken Spaghetti Casserole</a> (I had made this a <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2014/06/weekly-meal-plan-and-shopping-trip.html" target="_blank">couple weeks ago</a> and stuck half in the freezer)<br />
Friday: Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, broccoli<br />
Saturday: Leftovers<br />
Sunday: Breakfast (pancakes, eggs, fruit, etc.)<br />
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You'll notice I bought a lot of veggies to use for baby food. My baby definitely cannot eat all this in one week, but I'm preparing for an upcoming trip, so I'll be making it and freezing it. I'll write about that process another time.<br />
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<b>Store 1: Food4Less</b><br />
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Baby oatmeal: $1.25 each (She refuses to eat <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-food-wheat-oats-and-storage.html" target="_blank">homemade baby oatmeal</a>, due to the texture)<br />
Applesauce (for baby): $1.69 each<br />
Cake mix: $1.25 each<br />
Tomato paste: $0.49<br />
Powdered sugar: $1.49<br />
Peanut butter: $4.49<br />
Diced tomatoes: $0.89<br />
<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-food-yams-green-beans-and-kangaroo.html" target="_blank">Sweet potatoes</a> (for baby): $2.17<br />
<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/04/baby-food-acorn-squash-and-apple-sauce.html" target="_blank">Acorn squash</a> (for baby): $1.27<br />
Canola oil: $1.99<br />
Pinto beans (bulk): $2.15<br />
<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-food-butternut-squash.html" target="_blank">Butternut squash</a> (for baby): $1.94<br />
Grapes: $1.84<br />
Bell pepper: $0.50<br />
Parsley: $0.50<br />
Yogurt: $1.67<br />
Green onions: $0.33<br />
Celery: $0.69<br />
<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-food-yams-green-beans-and-kangaroo.html" target="_blank">Frozen green beans</a> (for baby): $1.99 each<br />
Frozen peas: $1.00<br />
Kale: $0.99<br />
Tortilla chips: $1.89<br />
Garlic: $1.29<br />
French bread: $1.50<br />
Jalapeno: $0.13<br />
<i>Total: $44.07</i><br />
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<b>Store 2: Sprouts</b></div>
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Apples: $2.41<br />
Pork chops: $3.28</div>
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Pork roast: $4.08<br />
<i>Total: $9.77</i><br />
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<b>Store 3: Sam's Club</b><br />
Sorry, I don't have a picture, but we got 1 gallon of skim milk and 1 gallon of 1% milk for a total of $6.03.<br />
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<b>Grand Total: $59.87</b><br />
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I came in about $2 over budget this week, but was under about $17 last week, so the $2 is still covered by our budget. </div>
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Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-42064644528922680282014-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:002014-06-27T16:31:03.593-07:00Sweet Sandwich Bar--Easy Kid-Friendly Lunch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0GKGGcuFcKPm_3FwuVNFWa2IYewIs3_WhWyXeDNWHMJNsaIS1LLVpi1jY0lR6FKsHlaAYM4qk2S4MdMNe9KdMBZtzCT_EMYfrN1aGcQYg4HAUab3HFFbeifY8-Gdo6Jb1QPNnBbVsNKv/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0GKGGcuFcKPm_3FwuVNFWa2IYewIs3_WhWyXeDNWHMJNsaIS1LLVpi1jY0lR6FKsHlaAYM4qk2S4MdMNe9KdMBZtzCT_EMYfrN1aGcQYg4HAUab3HFFbeifY8-Gdo6Jb1QPNnBbVsNKv/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have four kids. Making sandwiches is a chore. Usually, Lukas and Keanna like peanut butter and jelly, Koda likes peanut butter and honey, April likes just honey. Then all of a sudden Keanna doesn't want a sandwich, Koda wants just peanut butter, and April wants whatever *insert sibling name here* is having. They eventually revert back to the usual, but I never know. During the school year, you eat what Mom packs. You can make requests, but there are no guarantees. So I've been trying to mix it up this summer to make lunches more fun.<br />
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Last week I had a brilliant epiphany: a kid-friendly sandwich bar! I got out a variety of sandwich ingredients and let the kids decide what they wanted. I then put the ingredients on their plates and let them construct the sandwiches themselves. They loved it! Lukas came back for a second sandwich and asked for a third (which I didn't let him have, but he did eat more fruit).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DUS4Pp8RGHTsplnxu5ZdlJ5HBrLAnYCaRiJupTm9e9W4XPVKkUNz_BDkL-w9G45V1-v1BBTKRw05zN1QEuNFPVUUZ3O_AcUbBnSeM3BwRQhBJQ2LZKwwRSHGCtgqdNVAlfZu7yyCQMIo/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DUS4Pp8RGHTsplnxu5ZdlJ5HBrLAnYCaRiJupTm9e9W4XPVKkUNz_BDkL-w9G45V1-v1BBTKRw05zN1QEuNFPVUUZ3O_AcUbBnSeM3BwRQhBJQ2LZKwwRSHGCtgqdNVAlfZu7yyCQMIo/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lukas's plate: peanut butter, apricot jelly, bananas, apple,<br />
strawberries, and honey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I put out peanut butter, strawberry preserves, apricot preserves, honey, apple slices, banana slices, strawberry slices, and pecans. That's just what I happened to have that day, but there are many more possibilities: raisins, dried cranberries, peach slices, cut grapes, granola, maple syrup, blueberries, raspberries, apple butter, pear slices...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB79QbIoHHzRDpkI8cbNq3x7XTMdWqnb1y4px2nAwkoE9ZyTqGa6EBOjG68N-uuHLNphtwSf3Rypi6IxyT3fruO08KTI6v6v-trjvErLooPPddMnc1LB0YMdnOIACGhvrm3C-yvloVTAh2/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB79QbIoHHzRDpkI8cbNq3x7XTMdWqnb1y4px2nAwkoE9ZyTqGa6EBOjG68N-uuHLNphtwSf3Rypi6IxyT3fruO08KTI6v6v-trjvErLooPPddMnc1LB0YMdnOIACGhvrm3C-yvloVTAh2/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy's sandwich: peanut butter, apple slice,<br />
strawberries, and apricot jelly. Super yummy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Everyone is happy.Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-82876080846458541252014-06-21T09:00:00.000-07:002014-06-21T09:00:01.746-07:00Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Garlic Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GrFP6v66LMSPhftMjl8ABLGWTPy7H9I7qnM7H_zeZQLm8DywdsaxcyTc2A3OD6mGLrqnMRT6yrmznJqbDwT6UkIaRz7r_hiIbc7Sd6ayBbXwOMKTf7GcXLqe6jx5BMM6M69JEtMfidHY/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="grilled veggie sandwich with garlic spread" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GrFP6v66LMSPhftMjl8ABLGWTPy7H9I7qnM7H_zeZQLm8DywdsaxcyTc2A3OD6mGLrqnMRT6yrmznJqbDwT6UkIaRz7r_hiIbc7Sd6ayBbXwOMKTf7GcXLqe6jx5BMM6M69JEtMfidHY/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" height="213" title="Grilled veggie sandwich with garlic spread" width="320" /></a></div>
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With summer here, it means I actually have time to cook. And not just frozen chicken nuggets. Real cooking. With real food. Summer also means a lot of great produce. Sadly, I was too busy this spring to get my garden going, so I'm relying on neighbor Jerry's generosity and the WinCo produce section.<br />
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This week I loaded up on vegetables. Thursday's dinner was grilled veggie sandwiches with homemade garlic spread. Last night we had my dad over for dinner and threw some hot dogs (ok, that's not real food, but it was fun) and veggies on the grill. Afterward, we let the kids roast marshmallows.</div>
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I don't really have a recipe for grilled veggie sandwiches. I buy whatever vegetables are reasonably priced. This time I ended up with onions, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes. I really like red bell peppers, but at over $1 each, I can do without. The eggplant cost more than I like to pay for produce, but I knew it would be so good.</div>
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<div>
The veggies would be best cooked on the grill, but I usually stick them under the broiler.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kimiko made a similar sandwich a few years ago. You can find it <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/09/gourmet-mayonnaise-and-delicious.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Roasted Veggie Sandwiches</u></div>
<div>
Veggies (onions, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, etc.)</div>
<div>
Oil for brushing (I use vegetable)</div>
<div>
Salt and pepper</div>
<div>
Bread</div>
<div>
Garlic spread</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Slice veggies and place on broiler pans.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL7W7lqTx3fh3hGDvnbFheXo_0H4HVo8LDbIKYEujodM_2Bh2E4C0EuO7-DyA3SEQNBePFJ_OGvtyrXYM6-aadm2HEYUKTnBnUGbvI0Ta8gO5UJ1XEHOauEQ3P7WXUC7GHEtOdeoVYqrH/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL7W7lqTx3fh3hGDvnbFheXo_0H4HVo8LDbIKYEujodM_2Bh2E4C0EuO7-DyA3SEQNBePFJ_OGvtyrXYM6-aadm2HEYUKTnBnUGbvI0Ta8gO5UJ1XEHOauEQ3P7WXUC7GHEtOdeoVYqrH/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April helped me cut the zucchini and squash. Otherwise,<br />
I would have cut it lengthwise to fit better on the<br />
sandwiches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Brush both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Place under broiler until veggies start to turn golden. Turn; brush with more oil. Return to broiler until second side is cooked as desired.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, toast sandwich bread and make Garlic Spread. When veggies are done, spread garlic spread on toasted bread and top with veggies.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu9kMzembFamOryizu5K3zycDPzxx8GVTFexQQgTmjA6i3J9G6ZMFhFMnMJfNHZewspZBsrmPX4Obla4SVWN3f1dAy1uDSZdfkPDjrTvx1y9dKqtYaKov8Xnq7g3vLprgBjMiBGwRBatg/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu9kMzembFamOryizu5K3zycDPzxx8GVTFexQQgTmjA6i3J9G6ZMFhFMnMJfNHZewspZBsrmPX4Obla4SVWN3f1dAy1uDSZdfkPDjrTvx1y9dKqtYaKov8Xnq7g3vLprgBjMiBGwRBatg/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Garlic Spread</u></div>
<div>
2 ounces Neufchatel cheese, softened (softened cream cheese will work)</div>
<div>
1 clove garlic (more or less as desired)</div>
<div>
Pinch kosher salt</div>
<div>
2-3 Tbsp. mayonnaise</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a small bowl, cream Neufchatel; set aside. On cutting board, finely chop garlic. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Using side of chef's knife, press down and drag knife toward you over garlic to pulverize. Run knife blade through garlic. Wipe off knife and pulverize again. Repeat process until garlic is a smooth paste.</div>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mix into creamed Neufchatel. Mix in mayonnaise until smooth. Yield: makes about 3 sandwiches with spread on both pieces of bread.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-2973439857578482142014-06-20T09:54:00.000-07:002014-06-20T14:03:55.779-07:00I'm Back!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Wow! It's been a long time since I've sat down to write a blog post! I have been busy and a lot has changed in my life. I will be back tomorrow with a recipe, but I just wanted to take a moment today to update you on what's going on.<br />
<br />
Two years ago, we decided that we needed to increase our household income. It wasn't working out financially for me to stay home full time. And it's not because we're big spenders or irresponsible. We just live in a high cost-of-living area and there are six of us. Within a week, I had two job prospects: part-time nanny and part-time office lady for our school. But before either of those panned out, Robbie was approached by the principal at our school. One of our part-time junior high teachers was not able to return due to health problems. The principal asked Robbie if I would be willing to go back to teaching part time. While this was definitely not a job I sought out, God threw it into our laps. I accepted the job and haven't looked back since!<br />
<br />
Yes, I would much rather be at home---that's where my heart is. But if I have to work outside my home, I cannot think of any better situation than to work with my husband at the school where all four of our children go. And I really enjoy teaching and interacting with the junior highers, especially the girls.<br />
<br />
This coming school year is going to bring additional changes in that I will be full time. I am really going to have to work on organization and time management!<br />
<br />
In the time since I last wrote, my kids have all grown so much! Keanna is now 10, getting ready to go into 5th grade. Lukas and Koda turned 6 this spring and will be in 1st grade. One of them will get to have my 1st grade teacher! April will turn 4 next month and is looking forward to being in prekindergarten in the fall.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNkerec0Tp3laJwpssDWdumFa1l1mPQLb3eI7HU8g37Jzmg6lJWJ2A_TBukjEELKmqPdQtdN2kjUUmXX0EIEyo9AeiQApIjCgesZdUf_syWumfEoA1kyU1bBPqu8KBxyBISTaLnN-xYAO/s1600/10382304_10203901516364295_7657251641287146595_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNkerec0Tp3laJwpssDWdumFa1l1mPQLb3eI7HU8g37Jzmg6lJWJ2A_TBukjEELKmqPdQtdN2kjUUmXX0EIEyo9AeiQApIjCgesZdUf_syWumfEoA1kyU1bBPqu8KBxyBISTaLnN-xYAO/s1600/10382304_10203901516364295_7657251641287146595_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
In addition to taking care of my family and getting ready for school next year (teachers don't really take the whole summer off), I will also be starting an online class in a few weeks. All that to say, my posting definitely will not be as regular as it was before our 18 month hiatus, but I am determined to keep at it as I get immense joy out of it, and I want to be able to help others who are looking to feed their family frugally.<br />
<br />
Thanks to all of you who have been asking us about the blog during our silence. We appreciate your loyalty and are excited to be a continued part of your lives.<br />
<br />
By the way, the gorgeous pictures of my family were taken by the amazing Hannah. If you are in the East Bay and looking for a photographer, you can find her at Hannah Rose Photography: hannah.rose_photography@yahoo.com<br />
<br />
<br />Sumikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09592651891242831465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-45090571022296683362014-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:002014-06-18T09:00:01.217-07:00Weekly Menu and Shopping Trip<div>
Monday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/pennsylvania-dutch-pot-pie.html" target="_blank">Chicken pot pie</a> (using broth from <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2014/06/weekly-meal-plan-and-shopping-trip.html" target="_blank">last week's chicken</a>) and salad<br />
Tuesday: Breakfast (pancakes, eggs, and fruit)<br />
Wednesday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2012/08/simple-red-beans-and-rice.html" target="_blank">Red beans and rice</a>, salad<br />
Thursday: Left-overs<br />
Friday: Bean burritos (made with <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/09/homemade-refried-beans.html" target="_blank">homemade refried beans</a>), Mexican rice, chips, salsa<br />
Saturday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/10/manicotti-lasagna-and-stuffed-shells.html" target="_blank">Manicotti</a>, <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2010/12/garlic-bread.html" target="_blank">garlic bread</a>, <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2012/01/caesar-salad-dressing.html" target="_blank">Caesar salad</a><br />
Sunday: Left-overs<br />
<br />
This was a pretty uneventful shopping week for me. I bought what I needed for our meals, plus I did stock up on a few things. The tomato sauce was a little more than I normally pay for it, but I was running low and the price was decent, so I bought a few. I also stocked up a little on cheese. I typically prefer to buy blocks of cheese, but it's hard finding cheese for under $4/lb these days, and that's what these were ($2/8 oz), so I bought a few to throw in the freezer. I came in quite a bit under budget, so I'll have a little extra to use in the future, whether it's to stock up on ingredients or to buy some more expensive items that normally don't fit into our budget.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Store 1: Food4Less</b></div>
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Tomato sauce: $0.25 each<br />
Natural peanut butter: $2.99<br />
Cake mix: $0.99 each<br />
Cantaloupe: $1.07<br />
Cheese: $2.00 each<br />
Dried garbanzo beans: $1.50<br />
Croutons: $1.19<br />
Tortilla chips: $1.50<br />
Cottage cheese: $1.79<br />
Eggs: $2.79<br />
<i>Total</i>: <i>$23.81</i></div>
<div>
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<b>Store 2: Sam's Club </b></div>
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Milk: $2.75<br />
Baby carrots: $3.98<br />
Romaine: $2.58<br />
<i>Total: $9.31</i><br />
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<b>Store 3: Valley Produce Market</b></div>
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<div>
Broccoli: $1.52<br />
Pitas: $0.79<br />
Red onion: $0.26<br />
Iceberg: $0.69<br />
Red bell pepper: $0.87<br />
Cucumbers: $0.39 each<br />
Carrots: $0.50<br />
Nectarines: $1.41<br />
Onions: $0.58<br />
<i>Total: 7.40</i><br />
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<b>Grand Total: $40.52</b></div>
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Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141925195674785329.post-35159860322577737002014-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:002014-06-10T08:31:16.738-07:00Weekly Meal Plan and Shopping Trip<a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-new-budget-meal-plan-and-my.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> was a very unusual shopping trip, but this week was more of a normal week. Even though I plan out my meals for the week, I don't always follow my plans exactly. For example, we were supposed to have left-overs last Tuesday, which normally would have worked out, because my husband had a meeting and wasn't going to be home for dinner. What I forgot, however, was that he actually <i>was</i> going to be home for dinner because I needed him to watch the kids while I went to an appointment before his meeting. We didn't have enough leftovers for all of us, so I resorted to plan B. Thankfully, I had some quick, easy meal options on hand so we didn't have to spend money eating out. I'll have to post about some things I keep on hand at another time, but this time we had noodles and a jar of marinara sauce in the pantry. These ingredients make for a super easy and quick meal whenever I'm in a pinch, saving us from having to eat out. Another change to our menu was that Saturday's meal provided enough leftovers for Sunday, so I was able to move the quiche to this week.<br />
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Monday: Ham and Potato Quiche, English muffins, pineapple</div>
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Tuesday: Chicken Tortilla Soup, salad</div>
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Wednesday: Leftovers</div>
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Thursday: <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/chicken-spaghetti-casserole.html" target="_blank">Chicken Spaghetti Casserole</a> (make half/freeze half), broccoli</div>
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Friday: Southwest Chicken Roll-ups, Spanish rice (recipe to come!)</div>
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Saturday: Date night!</div>
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Sunday: Left-overs or breakfast</div>
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Whole chickens were on sale this week, so my menu is largely based off of that. I'm hoping to use the meat from a chicken for the soup, casserole, and southwest roll-ups. I may not have quite enough, but I will supplement with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as needed.</div>
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<b>Store 1: Valley Produce Market</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVa1QGzdeWUC_OMGALWTWxUFccRgER6zfIqNANF1-WKZ4Ga7C_PLyomitU7u6HZmYQgefmC5AH6o7Ztb7RBlDv2QriP6YyOd_T_Cyhm2tDgoUpfrOLHPiSQkm62rCmKyaQEfhQtaBomw/s640/blogger-image--1214343201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVa1QGzdeWUC_OMGALWTWxUFccRgER6zfIqNANF1-WKZ4Ga7C_PLyomitU7u6HZmYQgefmC5AH6o7Ztb7RBlDv2QriP6YyOd_T_Cyhm2tDgoUpfrOLHPiSQkm62rCmKyaQEfhQtaBomw/s320/blogger-image--1214343201.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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Broccoli: $1.34</div>
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10 lbs potatoes: $1.19</div>
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Romaine hearts: $1.99</div>
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Pineapple: $1.69</div>
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Grapes: $1.58</div>
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Cucumber: $0.33</div>
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Acorn squash (for <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/04/baby-food-acorn-squash-and-apple-sauce.html" target="_blank">baby food</a>): $0.70</div>
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Gala apples: $1.21</div>
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Pitas: $0.79</div>
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<i>Total: $10.82</i></div>
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<b>Store 2: Ralphs</b></div>
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Sour cream: $1.50</div>
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Tortilla chips: $1.79</div>
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Whole chicken: $4.25</div>
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<i>Total: $7.54</i></div>
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<b>Store 3: Food4Less</b></div>
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Diced green chilies: $0.79<br />
Enchilada sauce: $1.00 (I was planning on making my own enchilada sauce, but this was cheaper than the ingredients I was going to use for homemade)<br />
Baby oatmeal (I would prefer to <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-food-wheat-oats-and-storage.html" target="_blank">make my own</a>, but baby is picky about texture): $1.25/box<br />
Pinto beans (bulk): $2.01<br />
Red beans: $1.79<br />
Sweet potato (for <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-food-yams-green-beans-and-kangaroo.html" target="_blank">baby food</a>): $1.29<br />
Baby carrots: $0.99<br />
Red bell pepper: $0.79<br />
Frozen corn: $1.99<br />
Frozen green beans (for <a href="http://neartonothing.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-food-yams-green-beans-and-kangaroo.html" target="_blank">baby food</a>): $1.00<br />
<i>Total: $14.15</i><br />
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<b>Store 4: Sam's Club</b><br />
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1% milk: $3.28<br />
Skim milk: $2.75<br />
6 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: $11.98<br />
Heavy whipping cream: $4.17<br />
Tortillas: $3.68<br />
<i>Total: $25.86</i><br />
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<b>Grand Total: $58.37</b><br />
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I came in $0.68 cents above budget, and I still have to buy one more ingredient for a special (secret) Father's Day treat, but I was $4 under last week, so I'll be using that excess to cover this week's overage.</div>
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Kimikohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283040701298453576noreply@blogger.com4