Carnival 2011

We made it to the Midway today, the last day the carnival will be open. Lucky for us, it was "Dollar Day" - all the rides were a dollar (down from up to 3, maybe more). The first thing Nathan saw was a train. We paid our $2 each (this train wasn't part of the carnival company), and then he proceeded to tell us he didn't want to get on. Well, too bad! The bell and horn were too loud for him (hardly loud at all though).
This is the 2nd ride he wanted on. He went around 2 or 3 times before he started crying and had to get off. Someday he'll get it!

Then we all went on the "Bear" ride - it spun. We ran into Nathan's cousin, Anthony, who wanted to ride with us. All the guys like it, but I felt otherwise. I'm not a fan of spinning.

On our way out, we stopped at the petting zoo where kids could ride ponies or even a camel. Nathan chose the pony. He rode with a guy walking along side of him, but didn't need his daddy to walk by him this time.

And then it was time to go home and take a nap (that was the bargain - he got to ride the pony if he took a nap when we got home.)

Now he's ready to go to Sea World, talking about fish and whales and jellyfish :)

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers in 21 short steps

This is a recipe I just created tonight.

1. hollow out and boil bell peppers (I used red and green. I also like to cut them into thirds before boiling)


2. Set those aside.


3. Cook 2/3 cup dry quinoa (1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. cook it like rice)


4. thinly slice some carrots (I used 3)


5. cut up broccoli stems


6. cut broccoli florets into small ones


7. dice bell peppers (green, red, yellow, whatever you want, I used 1/2 green, 1/2 red)


8. dice onion (I used 1/4)


9. 2 chopped up baked potatoes (small)


10. some sliced/diced cabbage


11. dice a tomato


12. saute carrots, peppers, onion, & broccoli stems


13. add some shakes of Worschestershire sauce


14. add potato, cabbage, and broccoli florets


15. continue cooking for a few minutes


16. add tomato


17. continue cooking until everything is thoroughly cooked (or just hot)


18. add quinoa and mix


19. put bell peppers in a baking dish, "stuff" with the mixture


20. bake at 375 (or whatever floats your boat) for 10-15 minutes


21. top with parmesan cheese

Oat Pancakes

• 2 c. oat flour or 1-1/4 c. oat flour, 1 c. whole wheat flour (I made oat flour by blending rolled oats in the blender)
• 2 c. milk or water
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c. oil
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbsp. maple syrup

Mix dry ingredients.

Add milk or water.

Add oil and 1 egg at a time.

Mix thoroughly. Cook over griddle on medium

I kind of messed this up. I mixed all liquid ingredients together at once. If you do this, I recommend letting the mixture (everything together) sit for a few minutes before cooking and cooking on medium-high.

These pancakes were thinner than regular ones. They were kind of between a pancake and crepe. Delicious!

Adapted from this recipe.

Need help and inspiration!

If anyone comes across this blog and has some easy healthy recipes/living tips to share, please do! I've found that as the summer goes on (I'm a teacher, this was my time to get our family healthy), I just want to run out and get fast food or take-out! arg!

Red Velvet Cake

Mom's Red Velvet Cake recipe. It's the best!
("sweet milk" is actually just regular milk)


A few pictures...
1st Valentine's Day with my husband

My son's 2nd b-day cake(s) - 2 cakes because I accidentally put in double the amount of crisco in the cake!

Hand Sanitizer

I haven't made this, but wanted to put it some place I wouldn't lose it.

1/3 cup aloe vera gel
2/3 cup rubbing alcohol
few drops tea tree oil and lavender oil

Amish Oatmeal

After Nathan was born, I started eating a lot of oatmeal. It helps with milk production. This is one of my favorite recipes.

1 1/2 c. quick-cooking oats (not instant) or rolled oats
1/4 c. butter, melted (I sometimes substitute applesauce)
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
cinnamon to taste (optional)
raisins, craisins, chopped apple (optional)


Preheat oven to 350F. Grease (or use cooking spray) a 9x13" pan.

Mix together the first 8 ingredients well. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes (quick oats) or 40-45 minutes (rolled oats) until edges are golden brown. Spoon immediately into bowls. I like to add milk and sometimes a little extra sugar.

This is also great left over. Let cool and slice into bars.