Pass The POPCORN Please!!

Who doesn't LOVE popcorn!  It has been brought to my recent attention the dangers and harmful chemicals contained in microwave popcorn. 

Information and Sources:
  Researchers at the University of Toronto reported that the chemicals lining junk food/fast food wrappers and microwaveable popcorn bags are leaking into your food (source). Dangerous chemicals such as perfluorinated carbocylic acids (PFCAs) or more specifically,  Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8 (a Teflon Chemical), line microwave popcorn bags and get in to your bloodstream from consuming the food inside the bag. PFCAs have been linked to cancer and other development problems in animals.
“According to Daily News Central “In a study published last month, Food and Drug Administration researchers said microwave popcorn bags alone could expose the public to ‘hundreds of times’ more C8 than normal use of nonstick cookware.” The C8 is then ingested by the people eating the popcorn.” (source)
“Maureen McFadden of WDNU reported on 5/3/06: “Recent tests found PFOA, which can be extracted from Fluorotelomer, does cause cancer in animals.” Scientist Glen Evers explains, “Even before we cook the popcorn, the butter is already contaminated with a paper flurochemical that will be absorbed into your blood and stay in your blood for a long, long time.” (source)  info from thehealthyapron.com

I always believed that the FDA would keep things like this off of the shelves and who would ever put something harmful on consumer shelves to be eaten and harm people.  The more information that is out there the more I am realizing how proactive parents and individuals MUST be!!

So why would this post be titled PASS THE POPCORN PLEASE??   Well I guess I thought I was being clever here.  It actually has a double meaning because you CERTAINLY want to pass on microwave popcorn!! Anything that is putting chemicals like THAT into your diet is NOT welcome in my home!!

So does that mean we should pass on popcorn entirely.  NO!!!  Recent studies have come out sharing the AWESOMENESS of popcorn!!  Claiming that those wonderful little kernels may even contain more antioxidants than fruit!!! WOAH  Long study short the hulls of the popcorn (not the white fluffy stuff) contain between 242-363 milligrams per one-ounce serving. (By comparison, fruits like apples and pears often have about 160 milligrams of the antioxidants per ounce.) Overall, about 1.5 percent of popped corn is comprised of polyphenols, according to TIME Healthland Read more on this at Popcorn Facts

So is it back to the ole air poppers?  Too many appliances, not enough room in my kitchen!

REMEMBER I try to keep things super simple, quick, and healthful for my growing family!  So if you have an air popper go for it, but this is what my family reaches for!!

Grab a lunch bag, put in a scoop of popcorn kernels, fold top flap down and seal with a piece of tape, place in the microwave and microwave until you only hear a few pops per second, (our microwave has a popcorn setting we use)  pull it out and take a sniff no need to worry about chemicals!  SERVE IT UP to your family and PASS THE POPCORN PLEASE!!  

This is an AWESOME snack for the kiddos after school, while watching a movie, or whenever!! LOVE IT!!

***UPDATE**  Another option is your stove top!!  Heat some oil in a pot (works best if there is a handle don't use a teflon pan, sorta defeats the purpose :oD) and pop in some of your kernels, place the lid on (clear lids are the most fun!).  Once they start popping shake the pan back and forth to prevent burning and watch your popcorn pop!  

Veggie Salad

 

I tried this for the first time at a local restaurant and loved it!  Not really something I would have thought to put together myself, but it works and really tastes delicious.  I love that I can make it and keep it in the fridge to snack on all week and feel good about it!

Green Pepper
Tomato
Onion
Cucumber
Green Granny Smith Apple
Fat Free Italian Dressing
Salt and Pepper

Chop each of these ingredients (I peel the apples and the cucumbers) , mix together in a large Tupperware container add a little dressing, salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!!

Window Cleaning

With our busy household I am ALWAYS cleaning windows, mirrors, our front door, back door, basically anything low enough for them to get their little hands on!! I've tried a BUNCH of different products Windex, Clorox Wipes, Vinegar, Homemade concoctions.  This weekend I was spring cleaning and was working on our back door.  I spent a solid 15 minutes on it wiping and cleaning it.  When I finished and looked out ready to be dazzled by my work the reality was far less sparkly!!  The glass was cloudy, streaked, not at all what it should have been! I went online in search of an answer.  Surely Pinterest or Google wouldn't let me down!  I found a TON of homemade concoctions.  Vinegar, Dish soap, Rubbing Alcohol, a bunch of different potions all in search of a better way to clean the glass surfaces.  Now I'm all for homemade, but again I just don't have much time of patients for some things.  I shouldn't have to work so hard to clean!!  I want something simpler so I can JUST GET TO THE CLEANING ALREADY!!


I FOUND IT!!

I'm ALL for natural cleaning products!  I personally HATE chemicals and products that destroy the earth! This happens to be one of the exceptions for me.  I am NOT pouring this down the drain, or putting it on surfaces that my children will be eating off of!!  That being said the answer for me came in a single bottle purchased for $1 at the dollar store, and the other half of the answer came from my pantry that was purchased at Christmas time from Walmart for a little over $1  So for around $2 I was able to have my SPARKLING WINDOWS! AAAAAAHHHHHHH! (my best attempt at an ethereal angel chorus)

WHAT IS IT ALREADY!!  Okay Okay sorry, let me have a few moments to BASK in my window cleaning SUCCESS!!

AMMONIA and COFFEE FILTERS!!

REALLY!!  I didn't even put it in a spray bottle because I couldn't find one!  I just put a little on a couple coffee filters and wiped down the window and used two others to dry it to a streak free SHINE!!

AMAZING!  The filters were WONDERFUL!  Super inexpensive and they worked so much better then newspaper or anything else I have EVER tried!

It made it almost FUN to see such a HUGE difference!  Give it a try super easy and you won't be sorry!!

Family Pancakes

I am ALWAYS on the lookout for recipes.  For my family they have to fit three categories. #1 Easy to make, #2 My family loves to eat them, #3 Healthful and full of nutrition.  I have worked on this recipe for a while, and I believe I have a sure WINNER here!!  I LOVE how I can put yummy things into their pancakes and they gobble them up completely unaware of what I have put in their diet!!


Family Pancakes:

In a mixing bowl combine the following

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 cup of Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons of Baking Powder
1 Egg
2 cups of Milk
1 tablespoon of melted Butter
1 teaspoon of Vanilla

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle in some Flax Seeds, Wheat Germ, Cinnamon, Sliced Banana **you could also add some walnuts if your family isn't allergic and likes them**


Mix them up, put on warm griddle until they bubble a little, this happens pretty quickly, flip.  I keep them in a warm oven 200 degrees until I serve them.  These are awesome to serve with sugar free syrup, turkey bacon, some fruit, and a smoothie.

Super Yummy and Good for your family!  I call that a breakfast WIN!!!

**UPDATE**  You can substitute honey or agave nectar for the sugar or leave it out entirely! Same with the melted butter!!

Bible Stories

I had a real wake up call from God last week.  One of those moments that I am thankful that we attend church every Sunday, because honestly I had not thought of this myself.  We speak of God daily in our home, we pray and thank God for what he has blessed us with, we pray and ask God for help for ourselves and for others.  We attend church on Sundays, our daughters attend a Christian School. God is with us, around us, in us, a part of us each day!  So as a mom I feel that I am doing a good job teaching my children who God is and help them grow a relationship with him.  Well that was until last Sunday morning in church!!

During the children's sermon our Pastor asked the children if they had the bible memorized.  My overly confident and ambitious eight year old raised her hand and said YES!  HAHAHA I was a bit mortified but was proud that she felt she knew a lot of what was in the bible.

After service one of our fellow parishioners and I had a chance to say hello and exchange a few words.  He stated how wonderful he felt it was that she felt she knew so much of the bible.  I explained how they had bible lessons at school, at church and how much they were learning.  He looked at me and said "I thought you were going to say how much they were learning at home."

(mouth open, glazed look, and a huge DOH!!)  What in the WORLD has been in my head!! Why haven't we learned more at home?  Have I been teaching them?  I thought I have been doing right by them??  We have a bible book and have read it to them, but not reading the bible daily!!  Well consider me awoken with one kind well intended sentence! See this is just one of those instances of a message from God to mom, WAKE UP!!  I had a choice too!  To listen, or to make some excuses!  Too busy, they won't understand, they learn that at church and school, anything would fit here.  But those words hit me over the head and woke me in a way that I realized what an opportunity I was missing!!

So I made a decision!  Our family readings would be from the bible!  HOW FORTUITOUS TOO because for Christmas Grandma bought all of the girls a bible!  We read from my youngest daughters bible!  We read two lessons, talk about them, the older girls follow along in their bible and will read some things from their bible for the rest of us to hear.  We talk about it, ask the questions at the end of the lesson, and than when we are finished we pray together.

What a blessing this message was!  I still can't believe that I have been so lax and remiss in my responsibilities as a mom.  Sad face for that, but happy that God sent a messenger to me and I heard him loud and clear!!

I wish to share my wake up call with you and ask perhaps if you need to share in it with me?  Are you reading from the bible and teaching your children God's words?  Or like me are you leaving that up to your church, school, others or just honestly never even really thought of it?

It has been a very powerful and beautiful time together!  Not only are we getting a bedtime story together, but we are also speaking God's words and learning his lessons as a family!  Who knows what may come of that together or how that may grow in our lives, but I can tell you I am committed to it, and it will continue in this house!  We are an example that it is never too late to start!!  I encourage and invite you to do the same!!

Help Learning Spelling Words

 I found a wonderful online resource to help children learn their spelling words for school.  I have two school age children in my house.  They are both excellent spellers, but who couldn't always use a little extra help and practice.  Some days it is difficult for me to get the time and how do I say it .....quietness in the house to be able to sit down and work on spelling words.  This is a great way to get the girls some extra practice.


This website offers different ways to learn and practice the spelling words through games, missing letters, tests, flash cards.  There is a membership fee if you choose to become a premium member for a family or a classroom, but there are PLENTY of games and things you can do without the membership.

Spelling City

LOVE IT!!

If anyone else has found other sites or software that they enjoy for spelling please share it with us!

Thank you!

Daylight Savings Time!!

No one LIKES to lose an hour of sleep, but when you are a mother of young children you dread the spring forward even more!  Your angels are finally on a well scheduled routine.  Going to bed at 8:30 every night and waking at 7:30 like clockwork and then the time change steps in and ruins the entire routine!  DOH!  Thanks Benjamin Franklin!!

For some reason this year's Spring forward was just extra exciting this year.  It started out like every other year's daylight savings time day.  By that I mean waking a half  hour before church, jumping out of bed and running all over the house raising it to def con "GET YOUR BUTTS OUTTA BED WE'RE LATE" Red and throwing clothes on children who knows what sizes got put on who I'm just thankful the boys weren't wearing dresses to church!  Yeah that pretty much sums it up.

By some miracle we ALL managed to get dressed and we made it to church!  And before the Pastor entered for the service.  That is how we judge if we are late or not :oD We pulled up in our usual fashion. Ushering children out of the van as they disembark one at a time I begin to feel a bit like the Count on Sesame Street while I supervise the correct number leaving the car as to not leave anyone behind. (I am certain this is how my little ones have learned to count)  1.....2.......3......4.........................5......6 HA! HA! HA! (My Best Count-like voice)

After easing into the pew I breathe a sigh of relief feeling like yet another year of success battling the time change monster!  Church on time bright and early 7:30am technically now 8:30am still WEIRD!  Making it to church for early service extra Mom points!  So I gotta say I'm feeling pretty good about myself Sunday morning!  I guess as a Mom we should grab onto those moments, smile at them, and then wave as they pass by, because the only certainty in Mom World is that they will. Usually just as quickly as they appeared too.

Mine lasted until the end of service.  Everything proceeded along very well.  Mostly quiet children, sitting nicely in the pew coloring and whispering nicely to one another.  The little ones left for the nursery partially through the service, but in a fairly non disruptive manner with Dad.  The older ones had to be reminded to "shush"  a few times and to "listen" but all in all it was a great victory notch in my mom belt.  The final hymn, all was well, and singing with everyone while the little ones cleaned up their coloring supplies.  Last line of the hymn we are home free another great Sunday!  And the lights in the ENTIRE sanctuary go out.   Now I'm not quite sure why....perhaps instinctively my head snaps around and I see it.  Standing NEXT to the pretty black and green glowing buttons is Alex (my now four year old) with a wide eyed sheepish look that said "uh oh" the moment I looked at him.  I realized what he had done and could only shake my head and give him my look of disapproval.  But come on really?  Curiosity, youth, green glowing buttons at just the right height.  I really couldn't be too upset with him on this one.

Our Pastor, who oozes awesome, after walking out of the sanctuary in the usual fashion had managed to turn the lights back on and with a chuckle said "Everyone LOVES buttons!" Which of course elicited a great collective chuckle from the entire early morning congregation.

Well we rounded out this experience with a few teachable moments.  Alex and I talked about not touching the buttons again now that we knew it would turn off all the lights in the sanctuary and would not be a nice thing to do to everyone again.  We waited until our Pastor came in for coffee, and my brave little boy said he was "sorry"  I was so proud of him!  So lights back on, good laugh, lots of important lessons learned by all!

At the end of the day, I think daylight savings still REALLY messes with the time continuum of our family, but this year I'll still count it a success!!

Fizzy Lemonade

 

Fizzy Lemonade is my kiddos favorite summertime drink!! 

1 can of Minute Maid Raspberry Lemonade (un-thawed)

1- 2 liter bottle of Sprite

Mix together and serve over ice.  You can also garnish with raspberries or some mint!

Enjoy!!

Butter Noodles

Okay my super quick and easy noodle recipe!  This one is an in a pinch recipe that when I don't feel like cooking I can still get dinner on the table with minimal effort and time!!

1 box of wheat noodles
butter
parsley
garlic salt
Parmesan cheese

Boil water, cook noodles, strain and pour into bowl or back into pot (why dirty another dish)  put in butter (1/2 stick) chopped parsley, sprinkle in a little garlic salt, and some Parmesan cheese.  Mix it up and serve!

YUMMY!!

Some Of My Favorite Products

So here are just a few of my favorite products for little babies.  Over the course of caring for six children I have found these to be my favorite and most used products and suggestions.  EVERYONE chooses their favorite brands for a reason.  After trying a bunch of different things I have just found these to be my favorites. 

#1 Disposable Diapers

I LOVE Huggies.  I have tried a lot of different disposable diapers and I have found these to be my absolute favorite!  They are GREAT at holding in the explosions that happen in our house.  They save money on clothes and time on laundry!  They are super comfy for the little ones, I love the quality, I love the absorption, I love Huggies!







#2 Baby Wipes

Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes are THE BEST!  The new Thick Sensitive Wipes are even Better!  They make other baby wipes feel like sandpaper!  You only need to use one or two compared to other brands that are thinner and you use more.  I buy these at Walmart and use a $1.50 off coupon to purchase these!  You can usually get this coupon in one of the large boxes, in the paper once in a while, signing up on their website, in the mail, or writing them a letter.  Love em!  One of my girlfriends even used one for her 3 year old when she forgot her diaper bag.  And her 3 year old asked her why they don't use those! 

#3 Baby Soap

Hands Down I LOVE California Baby!  This is initially expensive to purchase, but WELL worth it!  You can purchase it in the smaller sizes, but to save on $$ and running out I purchase the Super Large Container and put it into a foam dispenser.  It lasts our family (if the kiddos don't find the large bottle) an entire year!  Put a little into the bottom of a foam dispenser and fill the rest of the way with water.  Shake it up and it will last and last!  Just learn from my mistake and lock up or put up VERY high the large bottle!  All Natural Ingredients and smells WONDERFUL!  I LOVE this soap because I KNOW it is the very best I can do for my baby!! *Tip it also makes it quicker and easier if you purchase the pump for the large size container* AND BE SURE to put the soap in a foamer.  IT WILL SAVE YOU SO much $$$                                California Baby Shampoo and Body Soap



#4 Powder

SKIP THE BABY POWDER!!  Talc powder when inhaled (AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO) by you and your baby is VERY dangerous.  It is carcinogenic and is VERY similar to ASBESTOS!!  Steer clear of Baby Powder!  Go for Corn Starch Powders or other natural alternatives!  The particles in corn starch powders are larger and less likely to be inhaled and not nearly as harmful.  Still exercise caution when using and storing the powder. Keep it away from siblings! Trust me not pretty! Any brand here I use this brand and a generic as long as it is CORN STARCH!


#5 Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

I LOVE the Bundle me car seat covers ever since I found them!  Of course I live in Ohio so this is a MUST for me.  I combine this, and a blanket over the top, when I put the handles up for the REALLY cold months. I don't have to try to wrestle my sweet baby into a coat.  I can just slip them into their care seat, carry them out to the car or into wherever I am go.  If they fall asleep on the way no problem I can unzip this and pull it off of them so they don't get too hot once inside without waking them.  I am also able to slip them into their car seat without waking them with this. WINNING!        Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

#6 Car Seats

I honestly don't have a favorite for infant car seats, but I do have a few suggestions to help when picking on out.  If buying used be certain that it hasn't been in any accidents before, and that it is not more then 5 years old.  When purchasing a new car seat a few things to consider.  Do your homework before you go to buy.  Go online, most websites have a ratings system where consumers can rate it after they have purchased.  They can help you to decide.  Remember not everyone is going to like everything, so most will have some positive and negative.  TEST THEM OUT!!  May sound weird, but practice clipping the straps and un-clipping them as well.  Is it easily done?  Are the straps easily adjusted?  What about the handle?  Easy up and down?  Listen closely is there a noise when you move the handle bars? Same with the stroller if it is a combo.  Practice opening and closing, is there room for stuff underneath? Are you able to push it easily, is it heavy, are there places for drinks, easy straps.  Do the linens come off easily to wash? What color is it, consider dirt because it's gonna happen.


#7 Clothes

Baby Sacks are AWESOME!!  Here is just an example, any will do.  I prefer the full baby sack with the zipper and long sleeves as opposed to the ones that have elastic or drawstrings at the bottom.  They usually end up around babies armpits after a bit of wiggling.  Carters makes some awesome baby sacks!  Keep in mind you want your baby to be comfy.  Soft material, easy on and off clothes for night diaper changes.*This is NOT a good outfit for going in a car seat*




#7 Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets

You want to find a gentle laundry soap for your baby.  I popular one is dreft.  I find the perfume a little overwhelming though.  I use ECOS for all of our laundry.  It is gentle and good for the environment.  I feel good knowing I am doing something good for my family and the environment!  I also use method dryer sheets unscented for the little babies.  You could use a wash cloth with a few sprinkles of essential oil in the dryer if you wanted. Lavendar is an AWESOME scent for calming a baby.




#8 Cleaning Supplies

When nesting kicks in I almost ALWAYS start cleaning EVERYTHING!  Especially during winter time and cold and flu season!  So many people reach for the bleach, bleach wipes, Lysol, and other harsh cleaning products. What most people don't think about are all the chemicals they may be exposing their baby to.  So really be aware of ingredients and what you are putting into your babies environment.  You can make your own.  Lots of recipes online, I use water, vinegar, and a little dish soap.  Or if you wish to purchase cleaning supplies I LOVE Method products!!


#9 Swings

Okay first let me start by saying I believe in baby wearing!  Wearing your little angel bundle around like a little capuchin monkey!  Anyone around me will tell you my husband and I hold and kiss and love those little people as long as they will let us!  BUT.....there ARE times while they are sleeping that it is nice to be able to sneak away and get a little laundry, dishes, or time to do whatever and a swing is a blessing!  My absolute favorite swing is a papasan swing.  There are a bunch of colors and different models, but essentially they are all the same.  I have one upstairs in our bedroom and one downstairs in the living room!   




#10 Baby Bags 
I have tried a lot of different baby bags.  I really don't have a favorite brand or anything, but there are a few things to look for.  Choose a neutral color.  You may use it for more then one baby, and at times your hubby or Grandpa may be carrying this.  Be kind and stick with a neutral color.  Choose a dark color it will last longer.  Consider the material and fabric durability, washable, repellent?  

Do you have any favorite products?  Please share them with us!!