Real Baby Food
Guest Column by Laura Moll Coble which originally appeared at her family blog: thecoblecolumn.wordpress.com. Reprinted by permission.
The time is rapidly approaching when Job can partake in his first meal of solid foods. So I began looking up information on the subject, knowing from other moms that it can be a somewhat tricky field to navigate. Also, I despise most contemporary nutrition advise as I find it is often filled with errors, so I wanted to research this topic on my own.
I read the book Real Food for Mother and Baby by Nina Planck and I stopped with this book because everything in it-or mostly everything-made so much sense that I did not feel the need to look further. I share this information with you now in hopes that it will be of value and that it will open up a whole new interesting world of when and what to feed baby. Of course, I am not an expert on this subject, I am simply sharing what I have learned. Proceed at your own risk;-)
Job is not yet sitting up on his own, but I figured that he could at least start exploring foods. I peeled and washed a whole carrot and let him taste and gum it. He looks bored in this picture, but he had lots of fun exploring his new chew toy!
This book is filled with inspiring information, and I must resist the urge to simply recite the whole book. I have tried to highlight the things I found most helpful. But I highly recommend checking the book out for yourself. You will find yourself refreshed by Nina’s wholesome and commonsense advice.
Nina Planck begins with the assertion that the best time to start feeding solid foods is when baby is sitting up by himself. This indicates a strong control of the trunk portion of their body, presumably so that the baby will be more prone to swallowing rather than spitting out food. Certainly you can start baby before he is sitting up on his own, but this gives an idea of when to begin. Job is not yet sitting on his own, I think because his head is still about 2/3 of his body!
Nina is an advocate for a food movement called “real foods.” This movement centers around eating the traditional foods of our fore fathers, basic foods like eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats like lard, butter, and olive oil, and meat. FYI, when she refers to eggs, milk, and cheese she is referring to raw milk, free range eggs, and raw cheese, and grass-fed beef and free range chicken. However, if these are not readily available, the products on the shelves at Wal-Mart will mostly do (minus a few exceptions such as fake cheese and yogurts laden with sugar). The foods in their natural state however, like raw milk, is the most beneficial, filled with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and beneficial fat. For more information on this subject refer to Nina’s book, westonaprice.org, or possibly even a future blog posting if I can be so amazingly organized (crossing fingers!).
Gumming a banana! Yum!
So what foods are best to begin with? According to Nina, begin with any and every fruit and vegetable you like. She has found very little evidence to support that you should feed certain foods (like citrus and eggs) at certain ages. Especially if a baby has been breast fed for the first 6 months, their propensity towards allergies is greatly diminished. That aside, armed with real foods and common-motherly-sense, Nina recommends what she deems the “scientific feeding method.”
This method involves: 1) placing baby in highchair, 2) setting out foods in front of baby such as sliced avocado, pieces of banana, cooked sweet potatoes, or cooked egg yolk, 3) allow baby to explore the foods on his own-according to Niles Newton author of The Family Book of Child Care, babies are capable of feeding themselves at 5 months, 4) repeat once or twice daily and gradually baby will learn to place food in mouth, gum it around, and even swallow!
I have yet to decide if I’m brave enough to place in front of my baby chopped, rather than pureed, food, but according to Nina, it works-of course be sure to always supervise baby (hence the motherly commonsense). This saves the time and effort of pureeing and freezing foods, purchasing baby food, as well as trying to force food down a baby only interested in spitting it out. If baby is hungry, he will eat! And of course the greatest hope is that you can enjoy your own hot meal while baby eats along with you. Depending on your diet, you can also share your hot meal with baby being careful to stir clear of anything refined, such as refined flours and sugars.
Oh la la! An apple!
Here is a list of foods that Nina finds perfectly acceptable for a baby of 6 months: ground beef and lamb, chicken (cut into long thin pieces), fish, bone jelly (soup stock made from chicken/beef/lamb/turkey bones), eggs, applesauce, bananas, oranges, pineapple, peaches, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, peas, steamed beets, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, fresh coconut, coconut milk, and dairy products (however, dairy products should be things like raw milk and raw cheese). Grains, including rice, should still be kept until the baby is about a year old because the gluten in these products can still be difficult for a baby to digest.
Mix into babies food things like olive oil, butter, and coconut oil. These are healthy fats and aid in baby’s (and ours, we should also consume these nutritious foods) digestion, building cell walls, immunity, helping bones create calcium, fight inflammation, and much more. Also, don’t be afraid to season with salt so long as it is unrefined sea salt. This salt is very nutritious for the body, refined, iodized salt, however, is devoid of nutrients and unusable to the body.
So there you have it! This is condensed information on how to feed your baby, but you have all the steps and the highlighted details from my book. But again, I highly recommend this book for more specific information on foods. This book also discusses real foods for fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
I look forward to using the “scientific feeding method” on Job and seeing for myself how well he can learn to feed himself. I also feel much better equipped for growing a healthy baby and hope that you do too.
For the record, Laura has nursed Job 100% since birth and pumped when he was in the NANIC (Neo-natal intensive care). That is a HUGE accomplishment.
Thanks for allowing me to share pictures of my grandson Job, almost six months old. Marilyn Moll, The Urban Homemaker
lunes, 14 de febrero de 2011
domingo, 13 de febrero de 2011
Monday Morning Mix
Happy Valentine's Day to you All. I wanted to remind you that today is the last day of the Wondermill and Wondermill Junior old pricing. I also wanted you to have this fantastic and simple Chocolate Peppermint Custard for your Valentine's and an opportunity to learn something from Penny Pinchin Momma. (details follow)
Last Day for Old WonderMill Prices - $239.95 today, $259.95 tomorrow - February 15, 2011
Last day for Old Wondermill Junior price - $199.95 through February 14, 2011 - $219.95 starting February 15, 2011 -Includes free shipping, new auger, clamp, stainless steel burrs - the complete package!
This recipe is courtesy of Cooking Traditional Foods, the longest running menu mailer based on the work of Weston A Price.
This pudding recipe comes out thick and rich. It's great as a cake filling or in a custard cup. You can change out the extract for different flavors. When my kids want pudding, this is the recipe I use.
4 egg yolks
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
½ cup chocolate chips
1 tsp peppermint extract
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and chocolate over medium heat until the chocolate is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and cool briefly.
Whisk ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk in the remaining milk in a slow stream. Return to the saucepan and heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Remove from the heat and cool, whisking regularly to avoid a skin forming on top and keep the fat incorporated, until only slightly warm. Stir in the peppermint extract. Chill thoroughly in the fridge before serving, or use as a cream filling for cakes, cupcakes or the like.
If your family likes sweeter desserts, you can stir in plain or chocolate flavored stevia with the peppermint extract. Unsweetened chocolate and a little rapadura or your favorite chocolate bar can be substituted for the chocolate chips. Orange, vanilla or another extract that would match chocolate can be used in place of the peppermint.
Kerry Ann Foster is the owner of Cooking Traditional Foods Menu Mailer
Penny Pinchin' Mama e-book, Jill Cooper, who raised two teenagers alone while making only $500 per month, shares practical hints and strategies she used to make the most out of every dollar. The regular price is $12.95 and this week only it is 50% off or $6.48.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Last Day for Old WonderMill Prices - $239.95 today, $259.95 tomorrow - February 15, 2011
Last day for Old Wondermill Junior price - $199.95 through February 14, 2011 - $219.95 starting February 15, 2011 -Includes free shipping, new auger, clamp, stainless steel burrs - the complete package!
This recipe is courtesy of Cooking Traditional Foods, the longest running menu mailer based on the work of Weston A Price.
This pudding recipe comes out thick and rich. It's great as a cake filling or in a custard cup. You can change out the extract for different flavors. When my kids want pudding, this is the recipe I use.
4 egg yolks
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
½ cup chocolate chips
1 tsp peppermint extract
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and chocolate over medium heat until the chocolate is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, and cool briefly.
Whisk ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk in the remaining milk in a slow stream. Return to the saucepan and heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Do not boil.
Remove from the heat and cool, whisking regularly to avoid a skin forming on top and keep the fat incorporated, until only slightly warm. Stir in the peppermint extract. Chill thoroughly in the fridge before serving, or use as a cream filling for cakes, cupcakes or the like.
If your family likes sweeter desserts, you can stir in plain or chocolate flavored stevia with the peppermint extract. Unsweetened chocolate and a little rapadura or your favorite chocolate bar can be substituted for the chocolate chips. Orange, vanilla or another extract that would match chocolate can be used in place of the peppermint.
Kerry Ann Foster is the owner of Cooking Traditional Foods Menu Mailer
Penny Pinchin' Mama e-book, Jill Cooper, who raised two teenagers alone while making only $500 per month, shares practical hints and strategies she used to make the most out of every dollar. The regular price is $12.95 and this week only it is 50% off or $6.48.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
viernes, 11 de febrero de 2011
Get Cultured - How to Ferment Anything
Get Cultured! How to Ferment Anything
Get Cultured? Mary and I try to eat some cultured veggies, make kefir and drink Kombucha each day and so far this winter-to-date we have not caught any colds or flus.
Maybe it’s just all the pure filtered water we drink each day, or good luck.
But I like to think fermented food and beverages has a lot to do with protecting us from the latest colds and nasty viruses that are going around.
I like the fact that most fermentations are very economical to make plus there are many more health benefits, techniques, recipes, and troubleshooting techniques involved in mastering the art of Fermentation, and I’m not an expert yet, but I keep working at it.
So if you’re serious about not only eating healthy foods, or maximizing the nutrition in every bite you take, this multimedia ecourse series by Jenny should appeal to you.
In this class you’ll learn:
Why fermented foods are critical to your health
How beneficial bacteria can actually work with your DNA to build immunity
How to enhance digestive health through real food
How you can make everyday foods like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise that enhance your family’s health
How to make yogurt and kefir using raw milk, pasteurized milk or even coconut milk
How to make natural, low sugar sodas that are actually good for your kids
How to make bacon and corned beef without added nitrates/nitrites in just a few simple steps
How to preserve foods naturally with the lost art of fermentation
How to troubleshoot when your home-fermented foods go funky
How to ferment foods naturally and safely
You need this class if:
You want to build immunity naturally
You want to optimize gut health and digestion
You want to give up processed commodity foods and start eating real
You value cooking from scratch and mastering the lost arts of traditional foods
You want to restore the proper balance to your gut
You or your family suffers from digestive ills or food intolerances.
You adhere to a real food diet or the dietary guidelines of the Weston A Price Foundation.
You want to SAVE money by making good food at home from scratch
You’re on a restricted diet such as GAPS or SCD which places importance on the value of fermented foods
This comprehensive series includes more than 50 video tutorials and 100 recipes for nourishing fermented foods, plus regular conference calls for participants so you can get your questions answered with premium instructor support. Sounds too good to be true?
Lesson Details are Here.
You can also save $20.00 on Registration:
You can save $20.00 on registration by using the following Coupon code: SOURPICKLES This code is good through February 19, 2011.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Get Cultured? Mary and I try to eat some cultured veggies, make kefir and drink Kombucha each day and so far this winter-to-date we have not caught any colds or flus.
Maybe it’s just all the pure filtered water we drink each day, or good luck.
But I like to think fermented food and beverages has a lot to do with protecting us from the latest colds and nasty viruses that are going around.
I like the fact that most fermentations are very economical to make plus there are many more health benefits, techniques, recipes, and troubleshooting techniques involved in mastering the art of Fermentation, and I’m not an expert yet, but I keep working at it.
So if you’re serious about not only eating healthy foods, or maximizing the nutrition in every bite you take, this multimedia ecourse series by Jenny should appeal to you.
In this class you’ll learn:
Why fermented foods are critical to your health
How beneficial bacteria can actually work with your DNA to build immunity
How to enhance digestive health through real food
How you can make everyday foods like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise that enhance your family’s health
How to make yogurt and kefir using raw milk, pasteurized milk or even coconut milk
How to make natural, low sugar sodas that are actually good for your kids
How to make bacon and corned beef without added nitrates/nitrites in just a few simple steps
How to preserve foods naturally with the lost art of fermentation
How to troubleshoot when your home-fermented foods go funky
How to ferment foods naturally and safely
You need this class if:
You want to build immunity naturally
You want to optimize gut health and digestion
You want to give up processed commodity foods and start eating real
You value cooking from scratch and mastering the lost arts of traditional foods
You want to restore the proper balance to your gut
You or your family suffers from digestive ills or food intolerances.
You adhere to a real food diet or the dietary guidelines of the Weston A Price Foundation.
You want to SAVE money by making good food at home from scratch
You’re on a restricted diet such as GAPS or SCD which places importance on the value of fermented foods
This comprehensive series includes more than 50 video tutorials and 100 recipes for nourishing fermented foods, plus regular conference calls for participants so you can get your questions answered with premium instructor support. Sounds too good to be true?
Lesson Details are Here.
You can also save $20.00 on Registration:
You can save $20.00 on registration by using the following Coupon code: SOURPICKLES This code is good through February 19, 2011.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
martes, 8 de febrero de 2011
Introducing The Wondermill Junior Contest
Urban Homemaker's 20th Anniversary celebration-The Wondermill Junior Contest
This contest is now closed.
The winner of the Wondermill Junior Grainmill is contest entry #118, Shawn. Shawn, you need to email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com to claim your prize.
The next contest will be posted at The Urban Homemaker blog by Friday. Be sure to sign up for blog updates by email above left on this page, or "Like" The Urban Homemaker at Facebook.
Here is how to participate in future Urban Homemaker Contests.
There are up to five ways to enter the contest!
You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in the comments section of this blog page below:
1. Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
2. Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
3. Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
4. Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.
5. Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
In a time of food shortage or emergency, having a non-electric grain mill could be a blessing to your family, your friends and your neighborhood.
The Wonder Junior is the highest quality most versatile hand mill available at an affordable price.
Features Include:
The hopper is large and holds over one quart or 4 cups
Wonder Junior is one-piece construction so the hopper will not come off during use.
Heavy-duty patented double clamp
Attaches to tables or counters up to 2 inches thick
Clamp will never move or loosen up like other hand grain mills on the market t
Uses extra large lifetime lubricated bearings
Heavy duty base can be bolted to any table or counter, if desired.
Stone heads are one-third thicker than other hand grain mills will give a lifetime of use
High-quality stainless steel burr heads are for milling wet or oily grains, seeds, or coffee.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
You can create super fine flour or coarse cracked grains for cereals.
Stainless steel burrs come standard with the Wondermill Junior Deluxe and will easily grind oily seeds, nuts, grains or even coffee without gumming up.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
This contest is now closed.
The winner of the Wondermill Junior Grainmill is contest entry #118, Shawn. Shawn, you need to email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com to claim your prize.
The next contest will be posted at The Urban Homemaker blog by Friday. Be sure to sign up for blog updates by email above left on this page, or "Like" The Urban Homemaker at Facebook.
Here is how to participate in future Urban Homemaker Contests.
There are up to five ways to enter the contest!
You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in the comments section of this blog page below:
1. Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
2. Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
3. Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
4. Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.
5. Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
In a time of food shortage or emergency, having a non-electric grain mill could be a blessing to your family, your friends and your neighborhood.
The Wonder Junior is the highest quality most versatile hand mill available at an affordable price.
Features Include:
The hopper is large and holds over one quart or 4 cups
Wonder Junior is one-piece construction so the hopper will not come off during use.
Heavy-duty patented double clamp
Attaches to tables or counters up to 2 inches thick
Clamp will never move or loosen up like other hand grain mills on the market t
Uses extra large lifetime lubricated bearings
Heavy duty base can be bolted to any table or counter, if desired.
Stone heads are one-third thicker than other hand grain mills will give a lifetime of use
High-quality stainless steel burr heads are for milling wet or oily grains, seeds, or coffee.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
You can create super fine flour or coarse cracked grains for cereals.
Stainless steel burrs come standard with the Wondermill Junior Deluxe and will easily grind oily seeds, nuts, grains or even coffee without gumming up.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
viernes, 4 de febrero de 2011
Friday Freebies and Last Day to Save on Mills and Mixers
Read the Class Details and Save $20 with Coupon Code Below
Celebrating 20 Years in Business:
With a Friday Freebie, last Day to Save on Real Food & Nutrition Class, and Bosch Universal Plus and Nutrimill:
Sheri Graham, has offered to share her ebook Bountiful Breakfasts with us for this week only. It has great recipes for muffins, breakfast breads, waffles, and more. Many recipes are scaled to larger families or for stocking the freezer. There are some very nice pictures to get you inspired. Check it out while it is free.
Sheri is a homeschool mom of five and has many practical, and wonderful resources to share at her website Graham Family Ministries. Check it out.
FYI: Sheri Graham and I co-authored the ebook entitled: 12 Week Holiday Holiday Planner for Christian Families.
Real Food and Nutrition ecourse Registration Ends Today
Learn about Real Food and what the FDA and the Food Pyramid don't tell you!
Save $20.00 on class registration by using coupon code UH20OFF.
Kristen Michaelis’ class Real Food and Nutrition is designed for those aged 12 and up who desire to understand what the Real Food and Sustainable Living movement is all about. In the 10 week ecourse you will:
Read first-hand accounts from inside the Real Food Revolution,
Watch video footage of the leading thinkers behind the sustainable food movement,
Engage the course materials in a critical, thoughtful way
Participate in an online community learning experience.
Do experiments at the grocery store, in your kitchen, and (if possible) local farms.
Watch informative yet entertaining videos
Bosch Universal Plus and Nutrimill prices go up on Monday February 7, 2011. Invest Now and SAVE!
Bosch Universal Plus - Now $359.99 through February 6, 2011. After Sunday it goes to $429.99!
Nutrimill - Now $239.99 through February 6, 2011. After Sunday it goes up to $259.99
Related Help:
Steps to the Best Bread by Marilyn Moll
Baking Bread Step by Step Demonstration
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Celebrating 20 Years in Business:
With a Friday Freebie, last Day to Save on Real Food & Nutrition Class, and Bosch Universal Plus and Nutrimill:
Sheri Graham, has offered to share her ebook Bountiful Breakfasts with us for this week only. It has great recipes for muffins, breakfast breads, waffles, and more. Many recipes are scaled to larger families or for stocking the freezer. There are some very nice pictures to get you inspired. Check it out while it is free.
Sheri is a homeschool mom of five and has many practical, and wonderful resources to share at her website Graham Family Ministries. Check it out.
FYI: Sheri Graham and I co-authored the ebook entitled: 12 Week Holiday Holiday Planner for Christian Families.
Real Food and Nutrition ecourse Registration Ends Today
Learn about Real Food and what the FDA and the Food Pyramid don't tell you!
Save $20.00 on class registration by using coupon code UH20OFF.
Kristen Michaelis’ class Real Food and Nutrition is designed for those aged 12 and up who desire to understand what the Real Food and Sustainable Living movement is all about. In the 10 week ecourse you will:
Read first-hand accounts from inside the Real Food Revolution,
Watch video footage of the leading thinkers behind the sustainable food movement,
Engage the course materials in a critical, thoughtful way
Participate in an online community learning experience.
Do experiments at the grocery store, in your kitchen, and (if possible) local farms.
Watch informative yet entertaining videos
Bosch Universal Plus and Nutrimill prices go up on Monday February 7, 2011. Invest Now and SAVE!
Bosch Universal Plus - Now $359.99 through February 6, 2011. After Sunday it goes to $429.99!
Nutrimill - Now $239.99 through February 6, 2011. After Sunday it goes up to $259.99
Related Help:
Steps to the Best Bread by Marilyn Moll
Baking Bread Step by Step Demonstration
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
martes, 1 de febrero de 2011
Enter the Contest to Win a Sprouter and Sprouting Seeds
Celebrating 20 Years of Business by Entering the Contest:
This contest is closed. Rachel Manchester, entry #226 was the winner.
This contest winner got a Double Sproutmaster and a 3.5 Pound Container of a Pro-Vita Sprouting Seed Mix. This is a $53.99 value. There are up to five ways to enter the contest!
You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in the comments section of this blog page below:
1. Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
2. Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
3. Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
4. Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.
5. Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
In a time of food shortage or emergency, knowing how to sprout seeds is one of the most important skills you can have and it is very easy.
Related Articles:
Read 10 Reasons on Why you Should Sprout.
On Monday, February 7, I will take the total number of comments and enter the number into random.org and announce the winner in my enewsletter that will be published next week.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
This contest is closed. Rachel Manchester, entry #226 was the winner.
This contest winner got a Double Sproutmaster and a 3.5 Pound Container of a Pro-Vita Sprouting Seed Mix. This is a $53.99 value. There are up to five ways to enter the contest!
You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in the comments section of this blog page below:
1. Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
2. Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.
3. Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
4. Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.
5. Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.
In a time of food shortage or emergency, knowing how to sprout seeds is one of the most important skills you can have and it is very easy.
Related Articles:
Read 10 Reasons on Why you Should Sprout.
On Monday, February 7, I will take the total number of comments and enter the number into random.org and announce the winner in my enewsletter that will be published next week.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Landmark Study - Toxins found in Pregnant Woman
Landmark study finds 43 chemicals -- some banned -- in pregnant women
According to a story recently published By Michael Winter, in USA TODAY
More than 40 chemicals, including some banned for three decades, were detected in nearly all 268 pregnant women in a landmark study by the University of California-San Francisco. Most of the substances are found in household products.
The authors say it's the first time researchers have tallied the number of chemicals to which pregnant women are exposed, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Of the 163 chemicals studied, 43 were detected in the blood and urine of almost every participant in the 2003-2004 study. Their ages ranged from 15 to 44.
Among the chemicals detected in 99% to 100% of the subjects were such banned substances as cancer-causing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and flame retardants containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers, along with organochlorine pesticides, perchlorate and phthalates, compounds found in cosmetics, detergents, vinyl floors, toys, plastic bottles and hundreds of other products.
Levels were similar to or lower than those found in women who aren't pregnant but that they were higher in pregnant women when variables were controlled.
How to Reduce your Exposure especially for children
Eating: Eating a well-balanced diet of real foods prepared from basic ingredients at home, wash hands often.
Microwaving: Avoid microwaving food in plastic. Use ceramic or glass instead.
Cleaning: Keep a clean home using microfiber and water or enzyme based products. Toxic chemicals are present in household cleaning products, dust and dirt.
Shopping: Choose products wisely - everything from paints, cleaning supplies to cookware and beauty products. Select safer, nontoxic products.
The research is published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
According to a story recently published By Michael Winter, in USA TODAY
More than 40 chemicals, including some banned for three decades, were detected in nearly all 268 pregnant women in a landmark study by the University of California-San Francisco. Most of the substances are found in household products.
The authors say it's the first time researchers have tallied the number of chemicals to which pregnant women are exposed, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Of the 163 chemicals studied, 43 were detected in the blood and urine of almost every participant in the 2003-2004 study. Their ages ranged from 15 to 44.
Among the chemicals detected in 99% to 100% of the subjects were such banned substances as cancer-causing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and flame retardants containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers, along with organochlorine pesticides, perchlorate and phthalates, compounds found in cosmetics, detergents, vinyl floors, toys, plastic bottles and hundreds of other products.
Levels were similar to or lower than those found in women who aren't pregnant but that they were higher in pregnant women when variables were controlled.
How to Reduce your Exposure especially for children
Eating: Eating a well-balanced diet of real foods prepared from basic ingredients at home, wash hands often.
Microwaving: Avoid microwaving food in plastic. Use ceramic or glass instead.
Cleaning: Keep a clean home using microfiber and water or enzyme based products. Toxic chemicals are present in household cleaning products, dust and dirt.
Shopping: Choose products wisely - everything from paints, cleaning supplies to cookware and beauty products. Select safer, nontoxic products.
The research is published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Cultivate Self-Sufficiency Skills
Homemakers Cultivating Self-Sufficiency Skills for Today
When we started The Urban Homemaker business, twenty years ago, the main skills I had were baking whole grain bread, canning applesauce, basic sewing skills, and the ability to cook. Thanks to the gentle prodding of customers and readers I have mastered many more skills from the list below.
But there is so much more to learn for the benefits of our family, our community, and our world. I believe there is a growing underground movement of people led of the spirit to master such lost arts as:
Growing your own fruits and vegetables
Canning, drying, lacto-fermenting or freezing their produce
Learning to store your own root crops
Making your own lacto-fermented beverages and creating herbal teas
Pressing cider and juices
Making jams and jellies
Raising livestock and poultry
Smoking meats
Making cheese, yogurt, butter, and kefir
Making soap and non-toxic home cleaning products
Keeping honey
Keeping dairy cows or goats for the family's own use
Keeping chickens for meat or eggs or both
Cutting their own firewood
Making toys
Creating their own entertainment rather that dependence on commercial alternatives
Learning and applying principles of herbal medicine
Sewing and mending clothes for family and others
Knitting for family or for profit
Repurposing used clothing
Building your own house, barn, shed, or out buildings
Composting
Quilting and crafting
Baking for your family
Cooking for your family
Many other skills too numerous to list or even know about yet.
Lost Arts for the 21st Century – A key to navigating an uncertain future
If you and your family have been led to master some of these lost arts for the benefit or your family or for profit, I would love to have you email me a short testimonial that could be used to encourage others.
Or perhaps, The Urban Homemaker has played a part in your journey over the years. Can you share a short note with others to celebrate our 20th Anniversary?
Encourage Others by Sharing your thoughts
Wherever you are in this life's journey, just starting to consider this idea of self-sufficiency skills or having mastered most of the above list, I would love for you to write to me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com so that I can share your thoughts to encourage others.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
When we started The Urban Homemaker business, twenty years ago, the main skills I had were baking whole grain bread, canning applesauce, basic sewing skills, and the ability to cook. Thanks to the gentle prodding of customers and readers I have mastered many more skills from the list below.
But there is so much more to learn for the benefits of our family, our community, and our world. I believe there is a growing underground movement of people led of the spirit to master such lost arts as:
Growing your own fruits and vegetables
Canning, drying, lacto-fermenting or freezing their produce
Learning to store your own root crops
Making your own lacto-fermented beverages and creating herbal teas
Pressing cider and juices
Making jams and jellies
Raising livestock and poultry
Smoking meats
Making cheese, yogurt, butter, and kefir
Making soap and non-toxic home cleaning products
Keeping honey
Keeping dairy cows or goats for the family's own use
Keeping chickens for meat or eggs or both
Cutting their own firewood
Making toys
Creating their own entertainment rather that dependence on commercial alternatives
Learning and applying principles of herbal medicine
Sewing and mending clothes for family and others
Knitting for family or for profit
Repurposing used clothing
Building your own house, barn, shed, or out buildings
Composting
Quilting and crafting
Baking for your family
Cooking for your family
Many other skills too numerous to list or even know about yet.
Lost Arts for the 21st Century – A key to navigating an uncertain future
If you and your family have been led to master some of these lost arts for the benefit or your family or for profit, I would love to have you email me a short testimonial that could be used to encourage others.
Or perhaps, The Urban Homemaker has played a part in your journey over the years. Can you share a short note with others to celebrate our 20th Anniversary?
Encourage Others by Sharing your thoughts
Wherever you are in this life's journey, just starting to consider this idea of self-sufficiency skills or having mastered most of the above list, I would love for you to write to me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com so that I can share your thoughts to encourage others.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
lunes, 31 de enero de 2011
Simple Steps to Sprouting Success
In a time of food shortage or emergency, knowing how to sprout seeds is one of the most important skills you can have and it is very easy.
5 Simple Steps to Sprouting Success:
1. Storage: Store sprouting seed mixes in a cool, dry and dark location. Be sure the seeds are organic.
2. Soaking seeds: Mix 3 parts water to 1 part seeds in a jar. Average soaking time should not exceed 8-12 hours.
3. Rinsing: Pure, filtered water is the best ingredient in sprouting. Use it liberally. By using the sprayer, seeds get some oxygen infusion and it keeps the seeds “loose” and better able to drain. Rinse at least two-three times daily.
4. Draining: Drain thoroughly after each rinsing. This is the beauty of the SproutMASTER, which ensures excellent drainage.
5. Promote good air circulation while sprouting seeds by using the fool-proof Sproutmaster. The double sprouter will produce enough sprouts for a family of 4-6 people.
The Sproutmaster (pictured above) is the most reliable method of resolving moldy sprout concerns and producing a large harvest efficiently.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
5 Simple Steps to Sprouting Success:
1. Storage: Store sprouting seed mixes in a cool, dry and dark location. Be sure the seeds are organic.
2. Soaking seeds: Mix 3 parts water to 1 part seeds in a jar. Average soaking time should not exceed 8-12 hours.
3. Rinsing: Pure, filtered water is the best ingredient in sprouting. Use it liberally. By using the sprayer, seeds get some oxygen infusion and it keeps the seeds “loose” and better able to drain. Rinse at least two-three times daily.
4. Draining: Drain thoroughly after each rinsing. This is the beauty of the SproutMASTER, which ensures excellent drainage.
5. Promote good air circulation while sprouting seeds by using the fool-proof Sproutmaster. The double sprouter will produce enough sprouts for a family of 4-6 people.
The Sproutmaster (pictured above) is the most reliable method of resolving moldy sprout concerns and producing a large harvest efficiently.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
miércoles, 26 de enero de 2011
What's For Dinner - 50% Off Sale
Don't Panic, the "What's for Dinner, Mom?" dilemma is solved with Menu Plans
While The Urban Homemaker is celebrating our 20th Anniversary, we want to tell you about value added special offers.
Today I want to tell you one convenient way to solve the "What's for Dinner?" dilemma.
Menu Planning Central is offering a subscription to their menu plans by email for 50% off, or Lifetime Access to the menu plans for only $100. Regardless whether you select the monthly or lifetime option they are including 8 valuable Bonuses that should appeal to busy moms that's worth more than the cost of a subscription.
Eight Free Bonus Gifts Worth $178!
You'll get instant access to...
Bonus 1: Family Brunch Recipes - Enjoy delicious meals with the entire family on the weekend. This mini recipe book features 50 brunch recipes you are sure to love.
Bonus 2: Family Routines - I put this report together for you after realizing what difference routines can make. Give them a try and see for yourself how much smoother your day will go.
Bonus 3: Fun Foods For Kids - Featuring enough edible play-dough recipes to keep you busy for months! Along with additional lunch recipes and craft ideas your kids will go crazy for.
Bonus 4: Healthy Meals and Snacks - Make meal and snack time fast, easy and most importantly healthy.
Bonus 5: More Energy For Mom - Tips, Ideas and Strategies to help you stay energized and get even through the busiest of days.
Bonus 6: Quick and Easy Breakfasts - It's the most important meal of the day, but we often don't have enough time to fix it. These quick and easy ideas will have you fixing a good breakfast for your loved ones any day of the week.
Bonus 7: Easy Brown Bag Lunches - Kids and adults alike will love these wholesome bagged lunch ideas. We've also included plenty of recipes for you.
Bonus 8: Craft Ideas For Kids - Keep your little ones busy throughout the year with these fun and crafty projects.
So if you are a busy mom who needs help with menu plans - check out the 50% off sale from now through February 2.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Disclosure: I make a small commission from any class sales.
While The Urban Homemaker is celebrating our 20th Anniversary, we want to tell you about value added special offers.
Today I want to tell you one convenient way to solve the "What's for Dinner?" dilemma.
Menu Planning Central is offering a subscription to their menu plans by email for 50% off, or Lifetime Access to the menu plans for only $100. Regardless whether you select the monthly or lifetime option they are including 8 valuable Bonuses that should appeal to busy moms that's worth more than the cost of a subscription.
Eight Free Bonus Gifts Worth $178!
You'll get instant access to...
Bonus 1: Family Brunch Recipes - Enjoy delicious meals with the entire family on the weekend. This mini recipe book features 50 brunch recipes you are sure to love.
Bonus 2: Family Routines - I put this report together for you after realizing what difference routines can make. Give them a try and see for yourself how much smoother your day will go.
Bonus 3: Fun Foods For Kids - Featuring enough edible play-dough recipes to keep you busy for months! Along with additional lunch recipes and craft ideas your kids will go crazy for.
Bonus 4: Healthy Meals and Snacks - Make meal and snack time fast, easy and most importantly healthy.
Bonus 5: More Energy For Mom - Tips, Ideas and Strategies to help you stay energized and get even through the busiest of days.
Bonus 6: Quick and Easy Breakfasts - It's the most important meal of the day, but we often don't have enough time to fix it. These quick and easy ideas will have you fixing a good breakfast for your loved ones any day of the week.
Bonus 7: Easy Brown Bag Lunches - Kids and adults alike will love these wholesome bagged lunch ideas. We've also included plenty of recipes for you.
Bonus 8: Craft Ideas For Kids - Keep your little ones busy throughout the year with these fun and crafty projects.
So if you are a busy mom who needs help with menu plans - check out the 50% off sale from now through February 2.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Disclosure: I make a small commission from any class sales.
martes, 25 de enero de 2011
Celebrating 20 Years - A Nostalgic Look Back
The Urban Homemaker is celebrating 20 Years in Business
January 1991-2011
Our celebration will include reflections from the past, free downloads, contests, and your memories. If you have thoughts, special memories to encourage others, please email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com.
Check back here frequently or sign up to receive blog posts automatically by email as we want this to be a celebration you won't want to miss!
For a Peak into the Past and Recipes from The Urban Homemaker Download Catalog #39 -
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
January 1991-2011
Our celebration will include reflections from the past, free downloads, contests, and your memories. If you have thoughts, special memories to encourage others, please email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com.
Check back here frequently or sign up to receive blog posts automatically by email as we want this to be a celebration you won't want to miss!
For a Peak into the Past and Recipes from The Urban Homemaker Download Catalog #39 -
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
lunes, 24 de enero de 2011
Real Food and Nutrition Preview
Real Food and Nutrition
Kristen Michaelis' class Real Food and Nutrition is designed for those aged 12 and up who desire to understand what the Real Food and Sustainable Living movement is all about. In the 10 week ecourse you will:
Read first-hand accounts from inside the Real Food Revolution,
Watch video footage of the leading thinkers behind the sustainable food movement,
Engage the course materials in a critical, thoughtful way
Participate in an online community learning experience.
Do experiments at the grocery store, in your kitchen, and (if possible) local farms.
Watch informative yet entertaining videos
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
I make a small commission from any class sales.
Kristen Michaelis' class Real Food and Nutrition is designed for those aged 12 and up who desire to understand what the Real Food and Sustainable Living movement is all about. In the 10 week ecourse you will:
Read first-hand accounts from inside the Real Food Revolution,
Watch video footage of the leading thinkers behind the sustainable food movement,
Engage the course materials in a critical, thoughtful way
Participate in an online community learning experience.
Do experiments at the grocery store, in your kitchen, and (if possible) local farms.
Watch informative yet entertaining videos
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
I make a small commission from any class sales.
jueves, 20 de enero de 2011
Dinner: Savory Chicken Tacos
I love it when I find an EASY and yummy recipe everyone likes especially when most of the ingredients are already stocked in my freezer.
This recipe is courtesy of my local grocery store! The original version is all convenience products, but I have changed it to using only canned items that I don't do from scratch, but you could.
The total preparation time if you have everything on hand is about five minutes, longer if you need to prepare the ingredients. It's yummy and kids will love it.
Savory Chicken Tacos
3 Cups shredded chicken (Straight from the freezer or Use Rotisserie chicken if in a hurry)
2 Cups brown rice (straight from the freezer)
1 Cup frozen sweet corn (straight from my freezer or canned would be OK)
1/2 tsp Real salt
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack or Quesadilla Cheese
1 can diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (These tomatoes have fantastic flavor, never had tried them before)
1 - 16 oz Jar Green Enchilada Sauce - You could substitute canned green chili's whirled in the blender with some water)
1 pkg Crisp Taco Shells, corn or flour tortillas (for soft shell) or Corn Tortilla Chips
Chopped cilantro and Sour Cream, optional
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 X 9 baking dish.
Mix all the ingredients except the taco shells in a large bowl, spread into the baking dish.
Bake at 450 degrees or until bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes.
Spoon into crispy taco shells or soft tortillas.
This recipe is courtesy of my local grocery store! The original version is all convenience products, but I have changed it to using only canned items that I don't do from scratch, but you could.
The total preparation time if you have everything on hand is about five minutes, longer if you need to prepare the ingredients. It's yummy and kids will love it.
Savory Chicken Tacos
3 Cups shredded chicken (Straight from the freezer or Use Rotisserie chicken if in a hurry)
2 Cups brown rice (straight from the freezer)
1 Cup frozen sweet corn (straight from my freezer or canned would be OK)
1/2 tsp Real salt
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack or Quesadilla Cheese
1 can diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (These tomatoes have fantastic flavor, never had tried them before)
1 - 16 oz Jar Green Enchilada Sauce - You could substitute canned green chili's whirled in the blender with some water)
1 pkg Crisp Taco Shells, corn or flour tortillas (for soft shell) or Corn Tortilla Chips
Chopped cilantro and Sour Cream, optional
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 X 9 baking dish.
Mix all the ingredients except the taco shells in a large bowl, spread into the baking dish.
Bake at 450 degrees or until bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes.
Spoon into crispy taco shells or soft tortillas.
martes, 18 de enero de 2011
Bottled Water Scorecard
My friend Kelly, from Kellythekitchenkop.com, had a reader send in a link to the EWG scorecard on bottled water I thought you might like to check out.
Why No More Bottled Water?
It has been my opinion, often expressed in this blog, that bottled water is unnecessarily expensive, inconvenient, and not as high a quality as Multi-Pure filtered water and other home filtered water systems.
It takes a lot of energy and resources to bottle and transport the treated water and most of the bottles end up in land fills.
The AquaDome model has been designated Consumer's Digest Best Buy!
Save even more and consider Filtermania - buy 10 filters and get your system FREE! Save $59.95 on your total purchase by using coupon code: Instant Discount.
If you want some facts on bottled water that has been tested by EWG, check out this link: breakingnews.ewg.org/bottled-water-2011-search
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Why No More Bottled Water?
It has been my opinion, often expressed in this blog, that bottled water is unnecessarily expensive, inconvenient, and not as high a quality as Multi-Pure filtered water and other home filtered water systems.
It takes a lot of energy and resources to bottle and transport the treated water and most of the bottles end up in land fills.
The AquaDome model has been designated Consumer's Digest Best Buy!
Save even more and consider Filtermania - buy 10 filters and get your system FREE! Save $59.95 on your total purchase by using coupon code: Instant Discount.
If you want some facts on bottled water that has been tested by EWG, check out this link: breakingnews.ewg.org/bottled-water-2011-search
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
lunes, 17 de enero de 2011
Follow-up Stories to Encourage Your Heart:
If you missed my heart-warming, encouraging story about The Bosch Miracle last week you can read it here:
Bosch Miracle Story
My in box was filled with lots of follow-up comments I thought would continue to encourage you to keep on keeping on in the high calling of homemaking. Sometimes we just get stuck in our ruts, or get discouraged, so read on if you need to be encouraged today.
Follow-up Stories from the Bosch Miracle Story:
My mom really needed a vehicle as she had to retire hers because it would no longer pass smog here in Ca. My husband had done some remodeling for a lady he works with and she mentioned getting rid of their van. Long story short he did a days worth of work at her house in exchange for a van for my mom. We surprised her on Christmas. She said it was the best present she'd ever received. God is good! Lisa W.
Hi Marilyn, I haven't bought anything from you but have loved your site and learned how to sprout wheat and love your Whole wheat bread recipe.
I bought a new Bosch mixer with attachments in 1981-82 when my daughter was 7 in So. Calif. At that time I bought a grain mill that lasted until 2 years ago when I bought a Magic Mill I bought here in Colorado Springs. I have had it repaired, cleaned out one time about 25 years ago. and it still works great.
I make 5 loaves of sprouted wheat. I am disabled from Polio as a child and in an Electric Wheelchair, but with my husband's help I can still make my bread and bag and freeze it for the month. Just wanted to let you know that these old Bosch's are still going strong. Linda T.
I wanted to thank you for sharing the Bosch Miracle story with your readers. We are still doing OK, as we are savers and have reserve It is encouraging to hear stories like this.Blessings, Bev W.
Here's my story...About 10 years ago, my husband was out of work too and we weren't able to afford a mill AND a Bosch. I bought the mill and decided I could make the bread by hand until we could afford a Bosch. After attending a class on how to use grinders and mills, the teacher and owner of the business called me one day and said the Lord had told her to give me her demonstrator Bosch.
She was getting a new one to demonstrate with. Needless to say, I was thrilled and thankful!! I remember the first day making the bread with my new Bosch, I was so excited! I'm still using the same Bosch 10 years later. Every time I use it, I try to remember to say a prayer for the dear woman who gave it to me. I have been blessed so many times over the years through a woman who responded to God's prompting.
I have been wanting a Bosch for several years now. I was able to get my grain mill and love it. It has been a blessing especially with dealing with my son's food allergies to wheat. I have tried to save up for my Bosch several times, but wouldn't you know every time I get a little saved, we need the money somewhere else. There are many good christian wives and mothers getting on without one as we speak and many times in worse circumstances than my own. If they can do it with the Lord's gracious help then so can I. Again I want to thank you for such an encouraging story. I do hope one day to have my very own Bosch, but if the Lord's answer for me is "no", I also hope to have a sweet attitude/spirit about it. Stephanie M
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Bosch Miracle Story
My in box was filled with lots of follow-up comments I thought would continue to encourage you to keep on keeping on in the high calling of homemaking. Sometimes we just get stuck in our ruts, or get discouraged, so read on if you need to be encouraged today.
Follow-up Stories from the Bosch Miracle Story:
My mom really needed a vehicle as she had to retire hers because it would no longer pass smog here in Ca. My husband had done some remodeling for a lady he works with and she mentioned getting rid of their van. Long story short he did a days worth of work at her house in exchange for a van for my mom. We surprised her on Christmas. She said it was the best present she'd ever received. God is good! Lisa W.
Hi Marilyn, I haven't bought anything from you but have loved your site and learned how to sprout wheat and love your Whole wheat bread recipe.
I bought a new Bosch mixer with attachments in 1981-82 when my daughter was 7 in So. Calif. At that time I bought a grain mill that lasted until 2 years ago when I bought a Magic Mill I bought here in Colorado Springs. I have had it repaired, cleaned out one time about 25 years ago. and it still works great.
I make 5 loaves of sprouted wheat. I am disabled from Polio as a child and in an Electric Wheelchair, but with my husband's help I can still make my bread and bag and freeze it for the month. Just wanted to let you know that these old Bosch's are still going strong. Linda T.
I wanted to thank you for sharing the Bosch Miracle story with your readers. We are still doing OK, as we are savers and have reserve It is encouraging to hear stories like this.Blessings, Bev W.
Here's my story...About 10 years ago, my husband was out of work too and we weren't able to afford a mill AND a Bosch. I bought the mill and decided I could make the bread by hand until we could afford a Bosch. After attending a class on how to use grinders and mills, the teacher and owner of the business called me one day and said the Lord had told her to give me her demonstrator Bosch.
She was getting a new one to demonstrate with. Needless to say, I was thrilled and thankful!! I remember the first day making the bread with my new Bosch, I was so excited! I'm still using the same Bosch 10 years later. Every time I use it, I try to remember to say a prayer for the dear woman who gave it to me. I have been blessed so many times over the years through a woman who responded to God's prompting.
I have been wanting a Bosch for several years now. I was able to get my grain mill and love it. It has been a blessing especially with dealing with my son's food allergies to wheat. I have tried to save up for my Bosch several times, but wouldn't you know every time I get a little saved, we need the money somewhere else. There are many good christian wives and mothers getting on without one as we speak and many times in worse circumstances than my own. If they can do it with the Lord's gracious help then so can I. Again I want to thank you for such an encouraging story. I do hope one day to have my very own Bosch, but if the Lord's answer for me is "no", I also hope to have a sweet attitude/spirit about it. Stephanie M
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Pesto Salmon - Easy, Tasty and Nutritious
Even though we live here in Colorado, I try to,as often as possible, get some good cold water fish into our menus. This Pesto Salmon recipe was hit at our house last week and has the added benefits that it is colorful, easy, tasty and nutritious.
First some background on Salmon, in case you didn't know:
Atlantic Salmon, or farmed salmon, does not compare favorably to the more expensive Wild Caught Salmon.
Farmed Atlantic Salmon is dyed to give it that pink shade.
In general farmed salmon is fed a lower quality diet which is often associated with higher levels of PCB's a banned substance since 1976.
USDA testing demonstrated that the fat of farmed salmon does not contain has high a percentage of beneficial Omega 3's.
Omega -3 fatty acids are fatty acids are associated with benefits to fetal brain development, reduction in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, heart disease, etc.
The quality of the Omega 3's in wild caught salmon is superior to farmed
Lots more nutritional information on the importance of Omega 3 fatty acids is available at westonaprice.org.
More information about wild caught salmon: northwest-seafood.com/wild_salmon_news.htm
Pesto Salmon Recipe:
For each salmon fillet drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle some pepper.
Place 2 tbsp pesto over each fillet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until flaky at 375 degrees F. Remove from oven, sprinkle some Parmesan Cheese over the fillet.
Serve with green veggies, rice or potatoes as desired.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
First some background on Salmon, in case you didn't know:
Atlantic Salmon, or farmed salmon, does not compare favorably to the more expensive Wild Caught Salmon.
Farmed Atlantic Salmon is dyed to give it that pink shade.
In general farmed salmon is fed a lower quality diet which is often associated with higher levels of PCB's a banned substance since 1976.
USDA testing demonstrated that the fat of farmed salmon does not contain has high a percentage of beneficial Omega 3's.
Omega -3 fatty acids are fatty acids are associated with benefits to fetal brain development, reduction in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, heart disease, etc.
The quality of the Omega 3's in wild caught salmon is superior to farmed
Lots more nutritional information on the importance of Omega 3 fatty acids is available at westonaprice.org.
More information about wild caught salmon: northwest-seafood.com/wild_salmon_news.htm
Pesto Salmon Recipe:
For each salmon fillet drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle some pepper.
Place 2 tbsp pesto over each fillet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until flaky at 375 degrees F. Remove from oven, sprinkle some Parmesan Cheese over the fillet.
Serve with green veggies, rice or potatoes as desired.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
miércoles, 12 de enero de 2011
Radical Homemaking - A Bosch Universal Plus Miracle
Frequently I am contacted about the availability of used mills and mixers by homemakers on extremely limited incomes.
Surprisingly, I almost never have used mills and mixers because people like them so much.
But I always try to encourage these resourceful ladies by saying, "I have heard many stories over the years from ladies who committed their desire for a mill and/or mixer to the Lord, and shortly thereafter found the 'desire of their heart' for a small fraction of retail prices at thrift stores, yard sales, and even by gifting."
Today, I want to tell you about another real life example of a successful barter by a needy homemaker of soon-to-be eight children, for an almost new Bosch Universal Plus. Tina O's answer came in just a week or so after contacting me. She has agreed for me to share her story.
Background
Tina wrote to me about a week ago saying her husband had been unemployed for nearly two years and she had been faithfully making her family's bread by hand about twice a week, and she had been praying for a way to barter some of her lotions, soaps, and other homemade products for a Bosch.
I wrote back to her saying that my experience is that I have heard from many homemaker's that "delighted themselves in the Lord and He gave them the desire of their heart" (Psalm 37:4) usually through alternative means.
Sure enough, just a week later, Tina sent me her version of her Bosch miracle and how the Lord answered her prayer. Tina writes:
Tina's Answered Prayer
"Dear Marilyn,
I wanted to share a MIRACLE with you!! I was able to obtain a Bosch Universal Plus Mixer, with the help of my two eldest sons, from a lady locally. She had bought one but didn’t use it and needed firewood cut, stacked, chores around her house, etc. and my boys offered to help her. She couldn’t pay, but just happened to have this mixer . . . . they are trading work for the mixer! I cried, not just at the thought of being able to obtain an item that I so needed, but because God has answered my prayer and my boys were so willing to help to keep mama “making bread”."
Follow-up Comment from Tina
After I asked Tina for permission to reprint her "Bosch Miracle" story, she writes:
"You have no idea what a blessing this is to my family and a treasure to me. You are right, the future will be bartering. Perhaps you could be the first to set up a “network” on your site, giving mothers a way to obtain what they might need from other mothers that are willing to barter? Everyone has a talent and something to offer, many are living on one income and some are like us, no income, so there must be another way to obtain the goods we need for daily living. "
Your Testimonials
I hope Tina's experience will encourage anyone who has a deep desire for goods or services they can't pay for to pray and commit the matter to the Lord. I would also like to hear from homemakers who are already successfully bartering their goods or services for something their family needs or have something of value they would like to barter with others.
Or if you have had a similar experience as Tina or when your prayer is answered, would you please share your testimonials with me so I can share your experience in my blog or newsletter to encourage others?
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Surprisingly, I almost never have used mills and mixers because people like them so much.
But I always try to encourage these resourceful ladies by saying, "I have heard many stories over the years from ladies who committed their desire for a mill and/or mixer to the Lord, and shortly thereafter found the 'desire of their heart' for a small fraction of retail prices at thrift stores, yard sales, and even by gifting."
Today, I want to tell you about another real life example of a successful barter by a needy homemaker of soon-to-be eight children, for an almost new Bosch Universal Plus. Tina O's answer came in just a week or so after contacting me. She has agreed for me to share her story.
Background
Tina wrote to me about a week ago saying her husband had been unemployed for nearly two years and she had been faithfully making her family's bread by hand about twice a week, and she had been praying for a way to barter some of her lotions, soaps, and other homemade products for a Bosch.
I wrote back to her saying that my experience is that I have heard from many homemaker's that "delighted themselves in the Lord and He gave them the desire of their heart" (Psalm 37:4) usually through alternative means.
Sure enough, just a week later, Tina sent me her version of her Bosch miracle and how the Lord answered her prayer. Tina writes:
Tina's Answered Prayer
"Dear Marilyn,
I wanted to share a MIRACLE with you!! I was able to obtain a Bosch Universal Plus Mixer, with the help of my two eldest sons, from a lady locally. She had bought one but didn’t use it and needed firewood cut, stacked, chores around her house, etc. and my boys offered to help her. She couldn’t pay, but just happened to have this mixer . . . . they are trading work for the mixer! I cried, not just at the thought of being able to obtain an item that I so needed, but because God has answered my prayer and my boys were so willing to help to keep mama “making bread”."
Follow-up Comment from Tina
After I asked Tina for permission to reprint her "Bosch Miracle" story, she writes:
"You have no idea what a blessing this is to my family and a treasure to me. You are right, the future will be bartering. Perhaps you could be the first to set up a “network” on your site, giving mothers a way to obtain what they might need from other mothers that are willing to barter? Everyone has a talent and something to offer, many are living on one income and some are like us, no income, so there must be another way to obtain the goods we need for daily living. "
Your Testimonials
I hope Tina's experience will encourage anyone who has a deep desire for goods or services they can't pay for to pray and commit the matter to the Lord. I would also like to hear from homemakers who are already successfully bartering their goods or services for something their family needs or have something of value they would like to barter with others.
Or if you have had a similar experience as Tina or when your prayer is answered, would you please share your testimonials with me so I can share your experience in my blog or newsletter to encourage others?
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
martes, 4 de enero de 2011
Get Those Dirty Dishes out of the Sink!
Ed Note: I'll confess up front, I'm not always diligent about keeping up with the dishes and there are only two of us living here right now. But I so love a tidy kitchen, especially my beautiful remodeled kitchen with its beautiful cabinets and count tops. I assure you, my kitchen now has a lived in look but this picture is a good reminder of what I need to aspire to daily.
Dirty Dishes Cause Debt! by Jill Cooper (guest post)
livingonadime.com
The other day I was asked one of the most common questions that people ask me: "Where do I start if I want to get out of debt?" After telling me of her huge credit card debt and how they eat out almost every night, the lady took a deep breath and said, "How do I save on laundry detergent and cleaning supplies?" Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.
Even though saving money on cleaning supplies does help and should be part of your plan, that usually isn't where the biggest problem with the debt lies. This woman never once thought to ask me how to stop eating out so much. Most people don't want to face the real causes of their debt because their biggest problems are the things they like the most. Going out to eat is one of the top five causes of debt.
Get those dirty dishes out of the sink!!
We go out to eat because we can't face a dirty kitchen. Keeping your kitchen empty of dirty dishes is the key to saving money. This is probably the #1 way to start getting out of debt. Most people are so overwhelmed with piled counter tops and dirty dishes that they would rather go out to eat than face a dirty kitchen.
Do the dishes after every meal and keep hot soapy water in the sink while you are baking or cooking. Clean as you go. If your sink is empty and the dishes are washed, your kitchen always looks good. This helps you save money because you have the time and space to cook.
To get in and out of the kitchen quickly, try these easy steps:
Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and put the hand washables in it to soak.
Wipe off counter tops and tables with hot soapy water. (This way, if you have unexpected company, at least your table and counters will be clean.)
Sweep the floor and shake throw rugs if needed.
Wash the dishes that have been soaking.
Wipe down the faucets and dry with a towel. (Be sure to wipe any sticky appliances, too.)
Put out a clean dish rag and towel.
Take out the trash.
These simple steps can help you start climbing your way out of debt. You will be amazed how much better you will feel just having the kitchen clean.
Right now the smart folks at Living on a Dime are having their New Year's Ebook Extravaganza. 13 ebooks for $13.00. Check it out.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Dirty Dishes Cause Debt! by Jill Cooper (guest post)
livingonadime.com
The other day I was asked one of the most common questions that people ask me: "Where do I start if I want to get out of debt?" After telling me of her huge credit card debt and how they eat out almost every night, the lady took a deep breath and said, "How do I save on laundry detergent and cleaning supplies?" Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.
Even though saving money on cleaning supplies does help and should be part of your plan, that usually isn't where the biggest problem with the debt lies. This woman never once thought to ask me how to stop eating out so much. Most people don't want to face the real causes of their debt because their biggest problems are the things they like the most. Going out to eat is one of the top five causes of debt.
Get those dirty dishes out of the sink!!
We go out to eat because we can't face a dirty kitchen. Keeping your kitchen empty of dirty dishes is the key to saving money. This is probably the #1 way to start getting out of debt. Most people are so overwhelmed with piled counter tops and dirty dishes that they would rather go out to eat than face a dirty kitchen.
Do the dishes after every meal and keep hot soapy water in the sink while you are baking or cooking. Clean as you go. If your sink is empty and the dishes are washed, your kitchen always looks good. This helps you save money because you have the time and space to cook.
To get in and out of the kitchen quickly, try these easy steps:
Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and put the hand washables in it to soak.
Wipe off counter tops and tables with hot soapy water. (This way, if you have unexpected company, at least your table and counters will be clean.)
Sweep the floor and shake throw rugs if needed.
Wash the dishes that have been soaking.
Wipe down the faucets and dry with a towel. (Be sure to wipe any sticky appliances, too.)
Put out a clean dish rag and towel.
Take out the trash.
These simple steps can help you start climbing your way out of debt. You will be amazed how much better you will feel just having the kitchen clean.
Right now the smart folks at Living on a Dime are having their New Year's Ebook Extravaganza. 13 ebooks for $13.00. Check it out.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
A Prayer to Bless Others
I received this image in my email recently and thought it was a great way to pray for our loved ones and friends! I printed a copy out to keep with my devotional materials. Often I don't know how to pray, even for my children. I think this will help when I'm in doubt.
lunes, 3 de enero de 2011
Living on a Dime - How one family does it.
I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's celebration and feel ready to face the New Year with optimism and purpose. I , personally, have struggled to face the last few New Years since my husband and father-in-laws deaths.
But, the constant media barrage of negative reports about our national economy, unemployment, and ever increasing national debt have not helped my frame of mind either.
I want 2011 to be different! Are you determined to get-0ut-0f debt, make healthier, home cooked meals, and get organized?
While I certainly don't have all the answers and solutions I came across a new book entitled Radical Homemakers – Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture. One of the premises of this book according to author Shannon Hayes, is to build a “life-serving economy” while reducing our “reliance on the extractive economy.” (p. 59)
In other words, if we can find ways to reduce our expenses then the less dependent we are on the corporate paycheck and the better our family finances will become.
To me, Tawra Kellam and her mother Jill Cooper, are very inspirational and authoritative writers on learning to live more with less cash. Jill raised her two children as a single parent on $500 a month. Tawra and her husband paid off a $20,000 debt in five years on a low income while raising their young children.
From today through next Monday, the Living on a Dime ebooks have been discounted a whopping 85% off of the regular price. This once-a-year sale is a great deal because you can buy their 13 ebooks for $13.00. The 13 E-books include 445 pages of money saving tips, great recipes and plenty of inspiration to make life easier and more frugal!
For example the Money Management ebook is a 72 page e-book designed to help you say goodbye to debt! Packed with lots of stories and advice, this e-book is an essential tool for your Debt Elimination Kit.
Money Management includes the story of how Michael and Tawra paid off $20,000 debt on $22,000 per year income.
Do you find the idea of budgeting daunting? You'll find information about how to make a budget and how to make budgeting simpler and easier.
Learn how to reduce your financial stress.
You don't have to be a slave to debt!
Testimonial:
"We've learned so much from Tawra... As of last week, our regular bills are finally all paid up! We're no longer behind on any of them and can start working on our debt instead of playing catch-up with the utility companies. This was due in very large part to Tawra and her mom's wonderful advice, ideas and guidance."-Karen from Ontario, Canada
"I was the most wasteful profligate spendaholic, I earned a lot, and thought I was entitled to spend every penny on myself. Now I have a savings, a growing IRA and have come to my senses." -Kathy from California
Their other ebooks show how to save money in the kitchen, put together delicious and easy dinners, get and keep your home organized, save money on kids activities, move on a budget, save money on creative gifts and much more.
I know you can will come up with enough practical tips, and money saving recipes to more than justify the $1.00 a book price. Besides, there is always a money back guarantee.
Check out the complete offer here.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
But, the constant media barrage of negative reports about our national economy, unemployment, and ever increasing national debt have not helped my frame of mind either.
I want 2011 to be different! Are you determined to get-0ut-0f debt, make healthier, home cooked meals, and get organized?
While I certainly don't have all the answers and solutions I came across a new book entitled Radical Homemakers – Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture. One of the premises of this book according to author Shannon Hayes, is to build a “life-serving economy” while reducing our “reliance on the extractive economy.” (p. 59)
In other words, if we can find ways to reduce our expenses then the less dependent we are on the corporate paycheck and the better our family finances will become.
To me, Tawra Kellam and her mother Jill Cooper, are very inspirational and authoritative writers on learning to live more with less cash. Jill raised her two children as a single parent on $500 a month. Tawra and her husband paid off a $20,000 debt in five years on a low income while raising their young children.
From today through next Monday, the Living on a Dime ebooks have been discounted a whopping 85% off of the regular price. This once-a-year sale is a great deal because you can buy their 13 ebooks for $13.00. The 13 E-books include 445 pages of money saving tips, great recipes and plenty of inspiration to make life easier and more frugal!
For example the Money Management ebook is a 72 page e-book designed to help you say goodbye to debt! Packed with lots of stories and advice, this e-book is an essential tool for your Debt Elimination Kit.
Money Management includes the story of how Michael and Tawra paid off $20,000 debt on $22,000 per year income.
Do you find the idea of budgeting daunting? You'll find information about how to make a budget and how to make budgeting simpler and easier.
Learn how to reduce your financial stress.
You don't have to be a slave to debt!
Testimonial:
"We've learned so much from Tawra... As of last week, our regular bills are finally all paid up! We're no longer behind on any of them and can start working on our debt instead of playing catch-up with the utility companies. This was due in very large part to Tawra and her mom's wonderful advice, ideas and guidance."-Karen from Ontario, Canada
"I was the most wasteful profligate spendaholic, I earned a lot, and thought I was entitled to spend every penny on myself. Now I have a savings, a growing IRA and have come to my senses." -Kathy from California
Their other ebooks show how to save money in the kitchen, put together delicious and easy dinners, get and keep your home organized, save money on kids activities, move on a budget, save money on creative gifts and much more.
I know you can will come up with enough practical tips, and money saving recipes to more than justify the $1.00 a book price. Besides, there is always a money back guarantee.
Check out the complete offer here.
Follow me at Facebook: facebook.com/urbanhomemaker
Follow me at Twitter: twitter.com/TheUrbanHome
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)