What is 2020 like?

 

Cooking Lessons with the Kids

 

I decided to start cooking lessons with the kids. It is too overwhelming to me to have the kids help with meals every day. 

1. There are too many of them, I get buried alive sometimes lol 🙂. 

2. Cooking is something that I like to just put on a show or listen to a book and get work done. I don’t want to stop to ask someone to do something or teach someone how to do something. I just want to do it and get it done. 

I do cooking two ways:

1. Get food on the table. This is your basic, we need to eat, so I have to make it. 

2. Cook for enjoyment, try a new recipe bake several versions to see which is best, make something that takes more work, etc. Neither of those I want help with from the kids.

But I do think it is important to teach the kids to cook. I think everyone needs to know how to cook. And they enjoy cooking I want to encourage that. But I didn’t want to cook with everyone at once. As I said it’s overwhelming. 

Introducing Cooking Class!

I got a cook book that is kid friendly and fits our dietary restrictions (gluten free, dairy free, soy free,). I checked it out from the library. So far I’m loving it.

The cookbook we are using is Eat Like a Dinosaur, it is a kids Paleo cookbook. I am planning to try The Paleo Kids Cookbook next. But any cookbook that works for your family would work for this

I do 1 kid per week. They get to pick 1 main dish, 1 side dish/vegetable, 1 snack, and 1 dessert. We cook those together. 

I have them pick out their recipes the week before so I have time to get the ingredients. 

I am learning how to teach something I automatically do. 

The kids are enjoying the one on one time and enjoying trying new recipes. It is a Win!

Here is what D and I cooked together. He picked hissing chicken, sweet potato fries, tropical smoothie, deviled eggs and banana chocolate chip muffins (last two not pictured)

Healthy Dairy Free Frosty

 

We found this recipe in Eat Like A Dinosaur. We first made it in Cooking Class. Honestly the kids didn’t like it, they all gave it back (I think it was too strong and rich for them, even with added banana). But Chris and I loved it! It reminded us of a Wendy’s chocolate frosty. The original recipe called for dates, but I didn’t find them necessary. This is a sugar free, dairy free frosty / milkshake. And it is delicious!

Let’s talk about the ingredients

Avocado - healthy fat, lots of vitamins etc. adds a heathy boost and also makes the frosty smooth, creamy, and thick.

Banana - a sweet fruit that is great for sweetening smoothies :). It is higher carb so definitely not keto. If you are Keto / low carb and ok with a dark chocolate flavor, you might be able to eliminate the banana or substitute berries, but it will definitely be less sweet. I have not tried that but it’s worth a try. If you are not keto and you like a sweeter milkshake feel free to add more banana. You can freeze the bananas first for a thicker milk shake.

Coconut milk - I used the unsweetened stuff in the carton. You can use the full fat canned kind for a thicker higher fat milk shake. I was going for lower calorie and the carton milk worked great!

Cocoa powder - this is obviously where the chocolate flavor comes from.  But it also has some health benefits of its own. It has been linked to lowering inflammation and blood pressure, and boosting blood flow and brain function among other things.

Chocolate Greens (optional) - I use It Works Chocolate greens. It has 8 servings of veggies, 15 calories, and 2 carbs. It just adds a good boost of vegetables for a lot of nutrition, without many drawbacks. It also adds to the chocolate flavor and sweetness. You can use other brands, just check out the ingredients and nutrition label to make sure it fits with your eating goals.
(disclaimer - I am an It Works distributor, but I only benefit monetarily if you order through me 🙂. On a related note if you are interested in more info email me at domesticrandomness@gmail.com 🙂 or you can order order here.)

Meal Replacement/protein powder (optional) - I order custom meal replacement powder through True Nutrition. I love this because I am able to pick what I want in my powder and in what quantities. I picked beef protein, whole egg, sweet potato, avocado oil, etc because I would actually sit down and eat those things in a meal. They have many more choices like whey, grass fed milk, MCT, and much more. I also find their prices to be extremely reasonable. $10-16/lb for most things, depending on what you order. You can use whatever powder you normally use or leave this out 🙂.
(Use the code domesticrandomness at checkout for 5% off your order. I believe it can be combined with their bulk order discount)

Powdered Coffee (optional) - I use It Works Skinny Brew for a dairy free coffee powder. It has a french roast coffee taste. And it has added energy, brain boosting, focus, and fat burning ingredients!
(disclaimer - I am an It Works distributor, but I only benefit monetarily if you order through me 🙂. On a related note if you are interested in more info email me at domesticrandomness@gmail.com 🙂 or you can order here.)

Ice- this one is fairly obvious, it makes the frosty cold and thicker. Especially if the bananas are not frozen. Also adds water, which most of us need more of. 🙂

Healthy Dairy Free Frosty
Serves 2

1 Avocado
2 ripe bananas
2 c unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 c cocoa powder
2 scoops Chocolate Greens (optional)
2 scoops meal replacement/protein powder (optional)

2 packets powdered coffee (optional, for a mocha frosty)
4 handfuls of Ice

Put all ingredients in blender, blend until well mixed.
Serve and enjoy!



Nutritional info (without the optional powders)

307 calories

31g net carbs

46g total carbs

16g fiber

18g fat

7g protein

Paleo, low calorie meal replacement, clean eating, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, sweetener free, allergen friendly, healthy milkshake, low carb

Game Review: Lanterns - The Harvest Festival

Lanterns -The Harvest Festival 

We got this game from the library.

It is a good family game. It is simple enough that our 8, 7, and 5 year old can play it. There is no reading required for game play so non-readers can play this. The 7 and 5 year old need some help with strategy, but they are able to play independently for the most part. The length of the game was also a little long for the 7 and 5 year old. But the game could be adjusted for a shorter game. We just let them leave when they were done playing.

This game has a max of 4 players, so we had to do teams until the younger left. Not great for large families. 

The play is simple play tiles, gather cards, make sets with cards to earn points. Whoever has the most points when the tiles run out wins. 

It is great for several learning concepts too. The cards and tiles are colored so there is color recognition and matching. The score counting at the end is great for math. Strategy, logic, turn taking are also featured in this game.

The colors and visuals are also awesome.

Overall this is a great game! It was fun, engaging, and learning. Definitely worth checking out! 

Order Here

Hamilton - a movie review by Amanda

 

I had heard Hamilton was good but I didn’t really know what to expect.

If you haven’t seen it, Hamilton is the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers, told in operatic format (I think?) the entire movie was in song, all the dialog was in song. But not opera type song. It was rap, hip hop, etc song. That was interesting, I’d never seen a movie like that. Also it is a video taping of a play, not a traditional movie. The play is historical fiction. We kept looking things up to see if they were historically accurate, and most of them were. 

It is available on Disney +. 

*disclaimer* there are some spoilers in here. Although if you know much history or you are inclined to google a historical character while watching a movie you will find all the spoilers anyways 🙂

Here are some of my thoughts on the movie

1. Dueling or any type of fight to the death is perhaps one of the stupidest ways to resolve conflict ever.

2. If you don’t believe in dueling do not wait until the count of 10 to protest. There were many opportunities to stop the duel before the count of 10. Why did he wait and then shoot toward the sky? Why not turn down the duel when it was first proposed? Why not actually talk in person instead of sending seconds? If the other person is not willing to take back their words, and you are not willing to take back yours then why not just walk away? Why agree to a death fight? The whole point of dueling is that one or both of you must die. You cannot both go on living in this world together. He knew that and still entered the duel and still sent his son to a duel. 

3. In the matter of the mistress the most important line is “when she put her lips on mine I didn’t say no”. He had a choice. He knew it. It was a tough choice. But still a choice. 

4. I loved the multiculturalness of it. Most of the founding fathers were African American. The whole cast was a variety of skin colors. I feel like this movie did a good job of showing that skin color does not matter. They showed, fairly historically accurately, the life of European American founding fathers with African American actors, and I found it just as believable. I don’t feel that the story would be any different with any skin color. Because people are people. Human nature is universal. 

5. I loved the portrayal of King George as a scorned lover. That was hilarious.

6. It was interesting that the guy who killed Hamilton was also the narrator. It really showed how their lives were intertwined. (That’s not a spoiler, that was said in the first scene).

7. This is not a movie that you can work while watching. It is incredibly fast paced and all the dialog is in song so you have to be paying attention to catch everything. 

Overall, very good movie. I feel like I need to watch it again to catch all the things I missed. Enjoyable, entertaining, and educational. There are parts, especially the mistress and the fall out from the mistress, and the duels that might be harder for young kids. If you are willing to have hard conversations with your older kids it would probably work for them. I felt like it helped me understand history a lot more. But it wasn’t dry or boring, it was very entertaining. I might include this in our American History curriculum when the kids are older. 

How to get rid of pimples without popping

 How to eliminate pimples 1without popping

Have you guys heard of the toothpaste trick? This works on pimples, bug bites/stings. You have to use the white paste kind of toothpaste. Not the gel kind. But you just put a dab of toothpaste on the pimple or sting and let it dry. Then wash it off. The next day it will be better. If the pimple is really bad it might take 2 or 3 days of reapplying. But it really works! The toothpaste draws out the bacteria or poison and allows your body to heal itself. 

I forgot to take a before picture but it was a decent sized pimple.

If a mom ...

I wrote my morning up in "if you give a mouse a cookie" style. Enjoy :)

What I am thinking this Memorial Day

Many years ago a man fought in the war. He went off to fight for his country. Then he came home and married. They had 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. One of those sons had 1 son and 3 daughters. 1 of those daughters is me. My grandfather fought in the war and survived. Because he survived I was born.

There are many many men and women for whom the story was not so rosy. Many men went off to war to fight for their country and never returned. There are many children and grandchildren who were never born because of a war. There are many children who grew up without a father or mother because of a war. And many people have grieved lost loved ones.

On this day, Memorial Day, we remember those people who were lost in service to our country. I want to thank you to all those who have lost loved ones. Thank you for your sacrifice. I am so grateful to live in a country that has so many freedoms. I am so sorry for your loss.

Give your Bedroom a Spring Cleaning

Cleaning up for Springtime
Guest Post by Leesa Content Team

Springtime is finally here and I think we all know what that means. Spring cleaning! If you’re anything like me, you have a long list of things to do around the house, but the best place to start is the bedroom. Believe me, if your sleep space is organized and clean, it’ll put you in the spring mood and motivate you to clean the rest of your home! Here are a few tips to help you conquer spring cleaning and redecorating your bedroom.

Out with the old and in with the new

One great way to get your bedroom ready for spring is to get rid of  things you don’t need anymore. That includes clothes, shoes, jewelry, old furniture, desk supplies, etc. If you haven’t touched it in months (with exclusion to seasonal items) it’s time for it to go. Clearing out some clutter will help make you feel lighter and your room feel more open.

Time for a change

Springtime is the perfect time to change out those flannel sheets, heavy blankets, and old mattresses. It’s always a good idea to change up your bedding this time of year with something lighter in both color and weight. If you’re interested in some new bedding and sheets check out Parachute for some great options. But if you’re going as far as changing your whole mattress, check out Leesa for Awesome mattresses online.

Wash your pillows

Most people forget this step, but washing your pillows is super important this time of year. If your type of pillow allows, throw them in the wash once with soap and another with just a water spin cycle, just to make sure all the soap is out. Then throw them in the dryer with a few tennis balls to help keep them the fibers from clumping. This helps get all those indoor allergens and dust mites out.

Flower decor

April showers bring May flowers, but that doesn’t mean they need to stay outside. Flowers and other greenery are a great way to spruce up your room decor for spring. Whether they are real, fake, in a picture, or even on your bedding, they will definitely put you in the spring mood!

Switch out your curtains & open the windows

In the winter, most people keep their blinds shut and their windows closed, but since the sun is out, why not open the windows? Letting some fresh air in is always beneficial and changing out your curtains for something lighter and sheer is helpful to keep the sun coming in. Also, make sure you have some blinds for when you want to block out the sun and get some sleep in the morning.

These are just a few ways you can help change things up for this time of year, but there are so many other things you can do.

What ways do you revamp your bedroom for spring?

Free Adult Coloring Book Page 5 - Psalm 148:1-5 (Free Printable)

I have been drawing my own coloring book. Someday I hope to self-publish it but for now I decided to stop hiding my light under a bushel and share it. So here you go! All of these are hand drawn, I am having so much fun letting my creativity flow. These pages are based on verses that God has placed on my heart. They are very meaningful to me. I hope you ave as much fun coloring them as I had drawing them. I would love to see your colored pages, post them in the comments!

Print Coloring Page Here

Free Adult Coloring Book Page 4 - Psalm 119:94 (Free Printable)

I have been drawing my own coloring book. Someday I hope to self-publish it but for now I decided to stop hiding my light under a bushel and share it. So here you go! All of these are hand drawn, I am having so much fun letting my creativity flow. These pages are based on verses that God has placed on my heart. They are very meaningful to me. I hope you ave as much fun coloring them as I had drawing them. I would love to see your colored pages, post them in the comments!

Print Coloring Page Here

Free Adult Coloring Book Page 3 - Psalm 62:1-2 (Free Printable)

I have been drawing my own coloring book. Someday I hope to self-publish it but for now I decided to stop hiding my light under a bushel and share it. So here you go! All of these are hand drawn, I am having so much fun letting my creativity flow. These pages are based on verses that God has placed on my heart. They are very meaningful to me. I hope you ave as much fun coloring them as I had drawing them. I would love to see your colored pages, post them in the comments!

Print Coloring Page Here

Free Adult Coloring Book Page 2 - Isaiah 61:1b and Isaiah 58:6 (Free Printable)

I have been drawing my own coloring book. Someday I hope to self-publish it but for now I decided to stop hiding my light under a bushel and share it. So here you go! All of these are hand drawn, I am having so much fun letting my creativity flow. These pages are based on verses that God has placed on my heart. They are very meaningful to me. I hope you ave as much fun coloring them as I had drawing them. I would love to see your colored pages, post them in the comments!

Print Coloring Page Here

Free Adult Coloring Book Page 1 - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (Free Printable)

I have been drawing my own coloring book. Someday I hope to self-publish it but for now I decided to stop hiding my light under a bushel and share it. So here you go! All of these are hand drawn, I am having so much fun letting my creativity flow. These pages are based on verses that God has placed on my heart. They are very meaningful to me. I hope you ave as much fun coloring them as I had drawing them. I would love to see your colored pages, post them in the comments!

Print Coloring Page Here

How to Take Prenatal Vitamins When You Can't Swallow Pills and a Premama Prenatal Supplement Review! #DrinkPremama #IC #ad

This post was sponsored by Premama as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

When I was young I couldn't swallow pills. And I also have always wanted to have children. I don't remember exactly when I realized that those things didn't work together, but I am pretty sure it involved a movie or commercial talking about how gigantic prenatal vitamins were. I was shocked, in order to have a healthy baby I would have to swallow huge pills?  I couldn't even swallow a tictac. What was I going to do? Fortunately I did learn to swallow pills. But for those who share in the conundrum of wanting to take prenatal vitamins but not being able to take pills there are now great alternatives!

Premama is a multivitamin supplement line that offers complete maternity wellness in drinkable and chewable forms!

Premama's drink mix line includes Fertility Reproductive Support, Essentials Prenatal Vitamins, Essentials + DHA Prenatal Vitamins, and Lactation Support. The Fertility and Essentials drink mixes are unflavored so you can mix them into any cold flavored drink you enjoy (do not heat or warm the drink mixes). They can be mixed into juice, cider, ice tea, smoothies, etc. The Essentials + DHA mix is citrus flavored and the Lactation mix is mixed berry flavored. They can be mixed into a flavored drink or into water. The drink mixes are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan, and non-gmo. Their folic acid levels are similar to prescription prenatal vitamins and as good as or better than other OTC brands (Premama is OTC). They also have Omega-3 fatty acids and non-constipation causing iron that are usually only found in prescription prenatals. These products are formulated to help before, during, and after pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or nursing a baby they have a product for you!

Premama's also has Digestive Aid Prenatal Fiber & Probiotic Chews. They are vanilla caramel flavored, vegetarian, and naturally flavored. They are formulated to help ease constipation and bloating, and support a healthy immune system. I really wanted to try the chews because they look so yummy, but the contain soy and I am intolerant to soy :(.

My Experience

I tried the Essentials and Lactation drink mixes. I tried Essentials mixed in Apple Cider and I couldn't even tell it was there. I was amazed! I am enjoying drinking these every day. I tried Lactation with water to see how it tastes by itself because it is berry flavor. If you are used to supplement drinks it is pretty good, and it is not chalky! If you don't like supplement drinks it would be good mixed in with juice, ice tea, or smoothies. It would be really amazing in smoothies! I will be saving the rest of the Lactation mixes for after I deliver in 4-6 weeks :).


I got my Premama products at Meijers, they are in the vitamin section. I found them with the other prenatal supplements. The Meijer I went to had a great selection! Oh and they are on sale at Meijer through September 25! Go in right now and get $3-5 off depending on the product. Get it on sale now!

Find Premama at a store near you using their store locator.

You can also get a free sample of Lactation or Fertility through September 29th on their facebook giveaway! Enter to win by completing two social media actions.

Premama Facebook Sampling

You can find more info on any of these links:

• Premama Website: http://www.drinkpremama.com
• Premama Store Locator: www.drinkpremama.com/find
• Premama Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/drinkpremama
• Premama Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/drinkpremama
• Premama Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/drinkpremama

Grocery Picks of the Week 6/10/16

These are the things that are a good price/ I am planning to buy this week. These are the on sale things in my area. I shop in Fort Wayne, IN so I know the prices are good there. I think that they might also be good in other places in Northern Indiana, Ohio, and southern Michigan, but check your own ads before you head to the store!  Also the ads change over on different days, so make sure the sale hasn't ended before you go! Also you can ad match at Walmart, so if all you need are these things then go to Walmart and shop there, I never go to all these stores :). Happy Shopping! I hope you get some great deals!

*disclaimer* I am not guarenteeing to do this every week, because I do not go shopping every single week, but when I do check the ads I will try to update you all :).

*disclaimer* these prices represent the prices in my area at the time of publication. I can not be held responsible for changes in price, etc. Check your ads before you go to the store! (pretty much all ads are available online or on the flipp app)

*disclaimer* the produce prices are often not for organic produce. At the quantity that my family goes through produce I can't afford to shop organic. If I find an organic price that I am willing to pay it will be listed on here.

My short hand:

StF! - Stock the Freezer! - these are great prices that are so great that I would buy a bunch of them and put the extra in the freezer. Pretty much all meat and most produce can be frozen. There are plenty of instructions for how to freeze things online. I have instructions for butter, cream cheese, browned meat, and marshmallows.

Gp - Good price -this is a good price that is worth getting enough for the week (or however long it will be good for fresh, some things are only good a few days, some are good for several weeks - months) but it is not good enough to StF!

Tp - Treat price - This is an ok price, that is better than what the price has been recently so I might buy 1 or 2 depending on what else I am buying, but it would just be for a treat, not enough for all week and definitely not StF!.

ea - each, it is priced per item

/(quantity) - it is priced per quanity - per pound (/lb), per ounce (/oz), per 8 ounce package (/8oz pkg), etc.


My picks:
I only need produce this week, so that is all I looked at in the ads


Fresh Thyme

• Organic Raspberries $0.88/6oz gp/StF! I think that this is the best price I have seen for raspberries. However since rasperries are so much more than other fruit I would not personally stock up on them. But if you do tend to eat/buy a lot of frozen raspberries then this is probably a better price so you should stock the freezer!
• Seedless Watermelons $2.88 ea gp/StF! (this is a great price so I usually buy as many as I think we will go through in 1-3 weeks, I don't usually freeze or save them, but I do know you can freeze the fruit, and they are also really yummy dehydrated)
• Cucumbers $0.49 ea gp 
• Honeydews 2/$3 gp
• Carrots $049/lb StF!
• Peaches, Yellow & White Nectarines, White Peaches, or Apricots $0.99/lb gp 
• Red or Green Leaf Lettuce $0.99ea gp
• Green Bell Peppers $0.49 ea gp

Aldi

•  Red Grapes $0.89/lb StF!
• Cantaloupes $0.99 ea gp
• Strawberries $1.49/lb tp
• Blueberries $1.49/pint tp

Kroger

• Green Beans $0.99/lb gp
• Zuccini or Yellow Squash $0.99/lb gp

Meijer

•  Cook's Shank Portion Smoked Ham $0.99/lb gp

Walmart

• Sweet Corn $0.20 ea gp

Grocery Picks of the Week 6/3/2016

I realized that I am going through ads to find the best deals and there are other people out there who would love to have this information. So I decided to start a new series. These are the things that are a good price/ I am planning to buy this week. These are the on sale things in my area. I shop in Fort Wayne, IN so I know the prices are good there. I think that they might also be good in other places in Northern Indiana, Ohio, and southern Michigan, but check your own ads before you head to the store!  Also the ads change over on different days, so make sure the sale hasn't ended before you go! Also you can ad match at Walmart, so if all you need are these things then go to Walmart and shop there, I never go to all these stores :). I am not guarenteeing to do this every week, because I do not go shopping every single week, but when I do check the ads I will try to update you all :). Happy Shopping! I hope you get some great deals!

*disclaimer* these prices represent the prices in my area at the time of publication. I can not be held responsible for changes in price, etc. Check your ads before you go to the store! (pretty much all ads are available online or on the flipp app)

*disclaimer* the produce prices are often not for organic produce. At the quantity that my family goes through produce I can't afford to shop organic. If I find an organic price that I am willing to pay it will be listed on here.

My short hand:

StF! - Stock the Freezer! - these are great prices that are so great that I would buy a bunch of them and put the extra in the freezer. Pretty much all meat and most produce can be frozen. There are plenty of instructions for how to freeze things online. I have instructions for butter, cream cheese, browned meat, and marshmallows.

Gp - Good price -this is a good price that is worth getting enough for the week (or however long it will be good for fresh, some things are only good a few days, some are good for several weeks - months) but it is not good enough to StF!

Tp - Treat price - This is an ok price, that is better than what the price has been recently so I might buy 1 or 2 depending on what else I am buying, but it would just be for a treat, not enough for all week and definitely not StF!.

ea - each, it is priced per item

/(quantity) - it is priced per quanity - per pound (/lb), per ounce (/oz), per 8 ounce package (/8oz pkg), etc.


My picks:
I only need produce this week, so that is all I looked at in the ads


Fresh Thyme
Grapes $0.88/lb, StF!
peaches$0.88/lb, StF!

Kroger
Fresh Pineapple - $0.99 ea, Gp

ALDIs
Mushrooms $0.69 /8oz, StF!
Seedless Cucumbers $0.69 ea, gp
Kiwi $0.69/ 3 pk ($0.23 ea), gp
Grape tomatoes $0.99 /pt, gp
Blueberries $1.49 /pt, Tp

Meijer
Raspberries 10/$10 (1-6oz pkg for $1 or buy 10 and get 11th free), Tp
Organic baby Cut carrots $1/ 1 lb bag, gp

Rural King
Seedless Watermelon 2.98 ea, StF!/gp (this is a great price so I usually buy as many as I think we will go through in 1-3 weeks, I don't usually freeze or save them, but I do know you can freeze the fruit, and they are also really yummy dehydrated) (I am not positive that Walmart will ad matchRural King so if they don't I will use the price below)

Save a Lot
Seedless Watermelon 3.99 ea, gp

Super Yummy and Healthy Paleo Korean Beef!

Paleo Korean Beef

(Picture to come, my family ate it too fast :))

Based on the recipe from Six Sisters Stuff

Ok, it is super hard to mess this up. I don't measure at all. I just throw things in. I am giving measurements but they are just general guidelines. And ingredients can be left or substituted with few ill effects. It is a very forgiving recipe. I also make large batches if you want less, use less.

This recipe is gluten free, wheat free, soy free, dairy free, peanut free, shellfish free, paleo, sugar free, allergen friendly, nut free, egg free, and with a few modifications could be AIP

Ingredients:

3 lb ground beef (other ground meats would  probably work too, I have mixed in puréed liver before and no one noticed, the flavor is strong enough to cover a variety of meats)
1 can crushed pineapple
1/4 c coconut aminos or soy sauce substitute, or soy sauce if you can have soy
1/4 c blackstrap molasses
1 T garlic powder
1 T onion powder
1 T sesame oil
1 t ginger
1-3 T of salt to taste
1 t red pepper flakes (optional, I never use it, but add it if you like spice)

Cabbage rice, cauliflower rice, or brown or white rice
2-3 lbs vegetables of your choice (I use cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. whatever I have on hand) or a bag or two of slaw mix
1-2 c roasted salted nuts or seeds of your choice (I have used sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts). (Optional, but optional, trust me if you can eat them it's worth it, it makes this meal 10x better! :))
Lettuce leaves (optional) big enough for lettuce wraps. Romaine works well for this.


Directions:

1. If using brown rice start cooking now
2. Brown ground beef
3. Add pineapple (including juice), aminos, molasses, and spices
4. Let simmer for a while for flavors to mix
5. If using veggie or white rice start cooking now
6. Shred vegetables, I use my food processor with the shredding attachment.
7. Chop nuts/seeds (I use my food processor for this too)
8. Serve beef over rice with vegetables on top and nuts on top. Put in lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps.


Verdict:

Amazing! This is one of my family's favorite meals. My kids gobble it up vegetables and all. The flavor on the the meat is amazing and it flavors everything well. The vegetables and nuts add a great crunch. I have also served this at family parties and everyone loved it and begged for the recipe. And it is healthy! No sugar, no soy, allergen friendly!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

You know the saying "Eat, drink, and be merry"? Did you know that it is from the bible? Did you know that the next line is "For tomorrow we will die" (Is 22:13). I knew those things but I learned something new about that passage tonight.

In Isaiah 22 God is talking about the defenses that the Israelites put up around their city, knowing that their old defenses, and probably their new ones were not good enough to save them.

So they decided to have a party.

This is the part that blows my mind. They really thought they were going to die. They were sure that they were going to die.

And they decided to eat and drink and engage in revelry.

God had asked them to weep and wail, to tear out their hair and to put on sack cloth (vs 12). If they had done as God asked maybe they wouldn't have died tomorrow.

God was begging them to turn to him. But that still didn't change their minds or actions.

In verse 8-11 God describes the defenses that they had built up and then says "but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago."

God made everything. Including the things that I am hiding behind or building up to defend me. I need to look to the maker of these things for my true defense.

I'm sorry God for looking to the things you have made, instead of looking to you for defense. Please help me remember to always look to you. Thank you for being there for me always! I love you!

Why Not Me?

When I'm struggling with something the temptation is often to ask why? or why me? But I think we need to start asking why not? or why not me?

We live in a fallen world. There are struggles. Everyone struggles. What makes me so special that I should not struggle or that I should not have this struggle? God showed me this last week.

I struggle with insomnia.

It manifests itself in different ways on different nights. Sometimes I can't fall asleep. Sometimes I can't stay asleep. Sometimes I can't go back to sleep when I wake up. Lately it's been I wake up in the night and can't fall asleep for up to hours.

It all boils down to one statement; I'm tired.

One night I was up for 3 to 4 hours. When I had been awake for over 2 hours, and had already tried all my usual tricks, I looked at the clock and asked whhhyyyy?

And then God said why not? Why not me? What makes me so special? Why shouldn't I struggle?

Another great question is: What is God trying to show me through this struggle?

One thing i have found is that God is giving me a special time to be with him in the middle of the night. I have a time of quiet, which is rare of my busy life with 3 kids under 4. And I have the privilege of spending it with him.

My response needs to be (and sometimes is :)); Thank you God for giving me this special time with you.