Sunday, March 24, 2013

This New Adventure!

Wow...this class has really opened my eyes to the world of Waldorf.  I am by no means no expert but learning about the phases of childhood has shown me that there is so much more to know.  I am still learning and class by class, I hope to implement even more.

On another note....it is almost Spring Break at work.  I do not know if there are words to describe how EXCITED I am to CLEAN.  Things have gotten out of control.  Toys, clothes, papers, books...there is just too much.  It is time for a clean out.

Too get me motivated I am making graham cracker toffee.  Try it and you will be in love!

GRAHAM CRACKER TOFFEE

Preheat oven to 250

1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with canola oil.

2. Line up the graham crackers so that the cookie sheet is covered.

3.  Melt two sticks of butter and between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup of brown sugar in a pan over medium heat.

4.  Once the mixture melts and comes to a boil...let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.

5.  Remove from heat and pour mixture over the graham crackers.

6. Put in oven and cook for about 10 minutes. (watch to make sure it doesn't burn)

7.  Remove from oven and place a 12oz. bag over the crackers.  Let it sit until it starts to melt then spread it out.

8.  This must cool completely.  (I sometimes put my tray in the freezer for about 15 minutes to get it started) Break into pieces.

Try to save some and not eat it all in one sitting.  Keep refrigerated once it is cooled and broken up.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Waldorf

I am so excited!  This week I started a new class through Waldorf Homeschool.  I can't wait to understand more about the philosophy surrounding this educational and lifestyle platform.

I have been looking at Waldorf for a while now, and doing my best to read as many books as possible.  It was time to take the next step.  It is a wonderful idea of living and teaching the whole child. I will be excited to share some of the things I learn and incorporate with you.

It has been a while since I have posted on here and I am looking forward to getting back in the groove.  Life gets in the way and time is taken away from what we would like to do.  I am working on that and enjoying connecting with you again.  Hopefully, you will join me on the journey.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Safari has come to the La Jolla Farmer's Market

I have found the perfect snack, breakfast, and yogurt topping in SAFARI CRUNCH.  This granola is the best that I have found out there. 

First, it is made and mixed by hand which means that you can actually bite the pieces.  They aren't little, tiny microscopic morsels.  Many times when granola is mixed it is done by a big machine which crumbles everything so that there is no real crunch.  This is not the case with SAFARI CRUNCH.

There are also big pieces of ingredients in this granola.  My absolute favorite is the NUTTY NJALA.  This granola has actual macadamia nuts in it.....just like the ones that you spend tons of money on at the grocery store.  There are rolled oats, puffed wheat, almonds, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds and more in this mix.  This is a sweeter granola but there are other mixes that range in the sweetness level. 

I encourage you to check out SAFARI CRUNCH.  This is an amazing granola and a wonderful local company that truly wants to give everyone a taste that satisfies and fills your heart and tummy!

www.safaricrunch.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

La Jolla Farmer's Market

Today was an amazing day at the Farmer's Market.  It was the first time, in a long time that my husband and I were able to go all alone, (without children) and really take in all the new and amazing vendors.

I couldn't believe how much the market has grown over the last year.  It seems to me that so many people are trying to get back to the basics of life.  They want to take in the sights and tastes of the world around them and truly go local. 

As part of this blog each week I am going to post something about a local company that has made its way into my heart.  Today that company is Pacific Beach Peanut Butter

Pacific Beach Peanut Butter.......what can I say?  Today was the first day that I have seen them at the La Jolla Farmer's Market.  They switch off and are at this location, I believe every other week.  They are also at the Little Italy Market.  They offer a wide assortment of amazing peanut butters that can only be described as a party in my mouth.  Today I was able to sample the Toffee peanut butter and CinnaYum. 

The Toffee is one of the best sellers and brings up images of eating a Heath Bar dipped in peanut butter....so good.  The other that I tried was CinnaYum (hopefully I spelled that right?).  This was not only a fantastic treat that I could see devouring in one sitting, it has great potential for so many many people.  CinnaYum has 0 grams of sugar and I believe only 3 carbs......Definitely need to tell some people about this since it could be a great treat for those who are diabetic or watching their sugar intake. 

The other great thing about this company is that they package in glass jars, yes you read that right...real glass, and if you bring back the empty jar you get a discount off your next purchase.  They use all natural ingredients and have a down home attitude that makes you want to support them. 

With so many flavors to try I have a feeling that this may be a purchase that I will have to make weekly.  Today I bought the CinnaYum, Dark Chocolate and Child's Play (which has M&M's in it).  Next time I will be picking up the Chocolate Raspberry which in the company's brilliance is designed to take the place of jam...sort of like a 2 in 1.  Talk about a time saver for snacks. 

Pacific Beach Peanut Butter can be found at www.WannaSpoon.com  I encourage you to check it out, grab a spoon and get ready to say "MMMMMMMmmmmm".

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year!!

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  I know that the new year really began yesterday but for me, it will never begin until the Rose Parade steps off.  I marched in that parade 19 years ago and my high school band marched in it today.  It was such a great feeling watching that band as it went down the parade route in its regal style.

I hope that this year I can share some ideas and thoughts that will make life simple while bringing the family back to basics.  My goal is to share 150 recipes this year.....hope you will be keeping track. :)

Today I start with giving you a recipe for the easiest ham and egg cup ever.  They can be modified to fit whatever flavor you are looking for.


Ham and Egg Cups

Ham slices - (I use Black Forest Ham from the deli, you need to have enough to use 2 slices per cup you would like to make)
Cheese
Eggs
Salt and pepper
Melted butter (about 2 tablespoons)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Take one Muffin Tin and butter the bottom and sides of each cup you will be using

Use 2 slices per cup and put them in the cup crisscrossed so each area is covered (this can be a bit easier if the ham is not straight from the fridge or microwaved for a few seconds.

Put a bit of cheese in the bottom of each cup

Crack an egg into each cup and top with a bit of salt and pepper (I am not the best at egg cracking so I crack them in a bowl and gently move them to the ham cup)

Bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes or until set to your liking.

This can be modified -

If you like your eggs scrambled you can mix them up before putting them in the cups.

For a southwestern flavor...use mexican cheese on the bottom and use diced green chiles in the scrambled eggs.

It is all up to you.  This recipe can also be frozen once made.  Just microwave them for about a minute when reheating.

Hope you enjoy this recipe.....see you soon!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

And Here We Go Again.......

Well..it has been a while since I have posted and I am sorry about that.  This has been a year full of ups and downs and finally the craziness has subsided a little.

Starting after the New Year I will post often and have some great new information for you.

This will be a year that brings us back to the basics  The basics of life, food, and family.

As we enter this holiday season let's bring the focus back to the importance of the season...spending time with our family and loved ones.  Remembering what is important in the grand scheme of life.

Also, I found a great site for everyone to visit,  www.drsearsfamilyessentials.com This site has some great products and I hope that you find them useful for your own families.

Have a wonderful holiday season and see you in the new year.

city wife

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

No More Hangers.....???

This is it...School is starting in a few more weeks and I am so excited, as many mothers are I am sure.  As I went shopping for back to school clothes I had visions of coming home and hanging them up and getting everything organized before the chaos of the school year.  That plan went out the window about 15 minutes into the organizational process.

I ran out of hangers...

This wouldn't seem like such a big deal except for the fact that I have 100 hangers for only two boys.  What the heck?  When did this happen?

When did there become so much stuff for two boys.  This is the time to start purging....a lot.  No kid needs that many things and I only hang up T-shirts.

Excess is one of the things that breeds chaos.  When there is so much there is no peace and so much stress.  This will be the path of clearing the stuff.  And it has to start now.