Dance Your Heart Out and Greek Pizza

Happy Sunday! It's actually 10 minutes to midnight,  Saturday night.

Because I am only coming to this journal once a week now-Sundays-my posts are going to be a little lengthy. I figure most people will move on to the recipes, but for me it's really important to write what is in my heart and what is happening around here.

So what's been going on this month.

The townhome finally sold!  No more paying two mortgages, Yeah!!
We initially had the notion we were going to continue renting it, but after some negatives, we decided to put on market. We are happy with our choice. We are debating whether to invest in another local property with equity. Ahh, decisions!
We have read and heard too much of Trump's advice. He's great on financial advice and property investing but as for President,  don't get me started.

I have been going to an adult dance class. Is it silly for a mom to dance her heart out? I LOVE it! It makes me look like a teenager.
I haven't danced since my college years where I was an actual dance major for a year (long story why I changed majors) .

Now to digress a bit, let's move onto a Sunny update.

Sunny loves to paint, sing and color and dance. A real right brained gal.

She's not a good eater. Refusing most all vegetables and meat.

She's also picking out her own clothes, dressing herself, and expressing her opinion. She's sassy and will tell me off regularly. A real teenodler she's become.

At home she twirls not just her finger through her hair whenever she is tired.

I debated whether 2.5 was too young for dance class.

I have a feeling Sunny is going to be a dancer, just like her mama.

So as much as dancing is my passion, I realized that Sunny needed that too.
I signed her up and she is now taking dance lessons from the same gal who taught me when I a kid.

                           First day of class.

                          She is so friendly

                           Class attendance

                           After class fun

                     

Sunny, my sweet, I hope this is the beginning of a rewarding dance journey for you.

As I watched Sunny dance from the window, I couldn't help but smile. The way she carried herself with such grace and poise. She's a natural.

So here are a few things on my mind today-

I am taking a lot of notice to Sunny's personality.  She is different then a lot of kids her age and older- but in a very positive way.  Sunny is very excitable. There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't show this to the world.

Whenever we are out and about, she usually takes notice to kids. She loves kids. She will wave and shout "Hello Friends"  every time.  I taught her that.

She's very affectionate to say the least.

Her excitement is contagious. Sunny tries to get others excited to play with her, even kids she doesn't know.

A lot of kids take time to warm up to her. I was one of those shy kids too.

Sunny is learning of the many personalities out there. Not everyone is alike, and that is okay.

What I do want Sunny to remember is to always remain true to herself. I don't want her to change who she is based on how others respond to her.

Some of other fun things we've been doing:

Feeding the Gibson's horse. I purchased a huge bag of carrots at Costco and we take a few up to him. She loves feeding and interacting with horse. This is how I spent much of my childhood doing.

Playdates. Sunny loves hanging out with her very best friend. Everyday, she has been asking to play with "Sawa" as she calls her. These two littles have a few years age difference,  but they play so well together. It's a refreshing break for me too. I actually was able to fold laundry really well.

Netflix- while it's rare for us to enjoy a good show, uninterrupted,  we have seen a few I need to recommend.  I am a huge suspense junkie, and i highly recommend these two series after kids are in bed.
The Fall. This is a series and so exciting and suspenseful. A new series will be out this year.

Broadchurch- oh my, this was as exciting as the fall. If you love mysterious,  this is it.

X-files- the return of the show premieres tonight. On tv, not netflix.  Rodney has been on the countdown. He actually came to me this morning jumping up and Down. That's true excitement!!

How Mama is doing:

I can easily sum it up here:

Motherhood,  you demanding, under- paying, exhausting, sleepless, stinky, messy, wonderfully fantastic thing, you.

Most days I am spent, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

To other mama's out there: if your toddler naps, and willingly goes to bed before 10 pm, consider yourself lucky.

Rodney and I would love a date to see Star Wars. He got me hooked
Getting someone to babysit is a challenge though. Nobody wants to do it. I do pay and have treats and pizza.

Anyway, that is mainly the brunt of what's happening.

I mentioned lengthy post,  right?

A few weeks ago, we went to a place called Rigatti's for some pizza.  So good. My favorite is the greek pizza.  I love greek anything. We love making pizza at home on weekends and decided to make it. Remember,  for Greek inspired meals, keep the staples of cucumber,  tomatoes,  olives, plain greek yogurt, and feta cheese. I have a recipe for greek tacos on flatbread/pita that I will share soon.

You can be creative. Make your crust thin or use flatbread to make individual pizza. It is all great. Artichokes and green olives as well as spinach is fantastic too.

As for tzatziki sauce, you will want that on top of your pizza.  It makes all the difference.

Greek pizza

Homemade pizza dough, choose your favorite recipe. Thin crust preferred.

Ingredients for basic pizza
Olives
Feta cheese
Tomatoes
Meat of choice or vegetarian
Spinach

Fresh ingredients for after pizza is baked
Cucumber
Feta
Tzatziki sauce for on top

On rolled pizza dough, spoon tomato sauce evenly around pizza. Top with above ingredients. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes

Top with cucumber,  feta, and t- sauce.

For t sauce, in a bowl, combine 1 cup plain greek yogurt,  1 T. Feta, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.  Stir

One Pot Curried Cauliflower Rice

So, how is the limited technology going, you ask?  First off, I realized that it is much harder then I ever thought. My brain is so wired to go to certain recipe sites online that I often went straight to the computer (our second source of technology besides my phone). I found myself searching through recipe cookbook indexes instead, which is okay if you are patient.  The other struggle with no internet at fingertips, ie:phone, was not being able to take quick pictures of Sunny.  I have not used a regular camera in who knows how long.

Today, which is Sunday, is the day I gave myself permission long ago, to do my journaling. My journal is this blog. I have not written anything in a old fashioned journal in about a year.

Sticking with the no internet except Sunday rule is what I favor. Just like the no sugar until weekend rule. It's wonderful!

I find that sticking to a consistant pattern is what my brain chemistry prefers. I also find that my brain enjoys the de-cluttering and energized effect it gets by limiting how passive I become  when I am glued to a screen (TV or internet). So not good for your brain or mind.

So, consistant it will be.  Here is to a new year goal.

I love sharing my favorite recipes and I have several curries I love. This one is no exception. The tender chick peas and cauliflower make it so nutritious, and that balance of curry, rich satisfying heavy cream, and tumeric flavor make this meal pure comfort.

You may mix half quinoa and half jasmine rice together,which I cooked in chicken stock for more enhanced flavor.

Adding a touch of parm on top just makes this meal all more lovely. I think even children will enjoy this meal. Seved with naan and a bit of chopped cilantro, it's amazing.

 It's full of veggies and it's a one pot meal.

One Pot Curried Cauliflower Rice:

**note** you can either combine rice with curry, or not. If you choose to keep rice seperately, just reduce simmer time.

•  4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large head cauliflower, cored and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• Coarse salt and ground pepper to taste
• 2 tsp. tumeric powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
• 1 1/2 cups balsmati, jasmine, or other long-grain white rice, precooked in chicken stock.
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

Aged parmesan cheese and cilantro for sprinkling over meal, optional.

• 
  

In a Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high. Add cauliflower and cook, stirring frequently, until browned in spots. Transfer to a plate and season with salt and pepper.

You may also steam the cauliflower (that is what I did). All that matters is that it is tender cauliflower.

 Add 2 teaspoons oil and onion to pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, 5 minutes. Add cooked rice, curry powder, and chickpeas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, until rice is coated, about 2 minutes. Add stock and cream and bring to a boil. Add cooked cauliflower and mix in.  Allow to simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Serve in bowls and add parmesan cheese on top.

Source: Recipe adapted from Stephanie Nielson.

Basil Chicken Coconut Curry Over Rice

I had this dream one night. I went back in time. I left the year 2016 and was in the year 1961. I don't know why  I dreamed of that specific year. Maybe because I was watching my favorite movie,  Breakfast At Tiffany's and that is the year it was filmed. Who Knows!  

The point is, The dream was fantastic. I was back in high school as a teacher, and nobody had cell phones or knew what texting was. People didn't use computers and teachers recorded everything with notebooks and pencils.

I remember walking around looking at the awesome fashions. Women carried purses instead of backpacks (more hip, ya think) and wore mules and shift dresses. The girls had bangs and wore a lot of pony tails.  The guys were romantic and gave the girls love notes between classes or dropped them in their locker vents. After school, they made plans for the weekend in person, and then headed out for some fun.

The guys serenaded the girls under the moon while romantic music played on the radio.

I woke up with a smile on my face. This dream felt real. Why couldn't life be that simple still. Why has this age of technology changed the simplicity and socialization that happened back then.

To be honest, I didn't want to return to 2016. I felt happy in the year 1961.

That day, I handed over the husband my phone and had him hide it. I wouldn't need it back. No!!!!

No internet for me, no cooking blogs, no pinterest, no blogging.  Zero, zip, nada, zilch!

I would look through my Betty Crocker Cookbook and find a recipe.

So, that's what I did.

She didn't have no curry and I really wanted me some curry. So, I sneaked the internet, just for a moment. I would go on melskitchencafe.com and find my favorite curry recipe. 

I got my recipe, but while I was at it, I would check a few other things, like facebook and do a few blog posts, like this one and the one before!  Mise well do it all at once, right?

20 minutes went by and I was suddenly in a different world. Internet does that. I logged off and committed to being back in the year 1961.

Now, I am on my way to get a new 1961 haircut, a few highlights and a shift dress. Good thing the shift dress I want is on sale.  Oh, and I can't forget the shoes and t-bird. 

Source: unknown

Life maybe more simple without the technology there for me, but I am committed to making this my new year resolution. I am going to plug out and be plugged in to what matters.

Sunny starts her first dance class next week. I am excited to see how that goes.

More time in the backyard once weather is nice

I have my gym membership, thank goodness.

I think I can manage to  stay busy!

Now, finally on to this recipe. It is one of my favorites and I had to share. I hope you enjoy it as well.

• Ingredients:
• 
  
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (by seeding the jalapeno you lose most of the spice/heat but retain great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cups hot cooked rice

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place in medium bowl. Stir together curry, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and chili powder. Sprinkle over chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
2. In a large nonstick frying pan, stir onion, basil, garlic and peppers in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until onion is translucent. Add chicken and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
3. Combine coconut milk and cornstarch and whisk well to combine. Carefully add to skillet, whisking vigorously. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in ginger. Cook and stir for another minute. Serve over hot rice.

Source: melskitchencafe.com

Whole Foods Challenge

I don't usually set goals on Jan. 1. I set goals all the time. Sometimes I succeed, other times I fail. 

Usually my success is triggered from either a role model or a real desire to obtain something. 

Last week, my morning walking partner informed me she was on a 30 day detox diet or paleo diet.

I replied with, "Thee paleo diet!" Oh my gosh,  are you serious?. I did this same diet for 30 days about 3.5 years ago and felt amazing.

She's new to this diet and was only on day 2, but I informed her it is my favorite 30 day diet ever. EVER!!!

I've said it before and I will say it again. This diet will make you feel unbelievably good. How good?

1. Better then a runner's high?,  Yes!

2. Better then working out for an hour? Yes!

3. Better then those feel good pregnancy hormones? Yes!

4.  Better then chocolate, 

The list goes on.

I told my curious friend that she will soon find out what I'm talking about.

She later explained her husband was worried about her doing this diet while pregnant. I told her I did it 50 percent while I was expecting Sunny and how I felt like a hyperactive woman most days. The energy you feel is out of this world. And, the diet is full of nutrient rich foods.

Here is the thing. Some people think quinoa is a grain. Others think it's a seed. Grains are not allowed on the PD. But, seeds are. I love quinoa so much and I really think its more of a seed. When I saw an idea for greek quinoa bowls, I knew I needed to try this and join my friend on this diet for 30 days. You should too!!

Ingredients for Greek Quinoa Bowls


1 1/2 c. Cooked quinoa in chicken stock

Choice of raw fresh veggies, amount us your choice
Green olives
Baby A rugulla
Diced cucumber
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Feta cheese
Fresh parsley, mint, cilantro

Place quinoa in bowl and top quinoa with veggies.

Greek t zatziki sauce
1 Chopped cucumber
2 c. Plain greek yogurt
Salt pepper to taste
1 tsp. Dill
1 T. Lemon juice
Combine and drizzle over quinoa and veggies.

For Southwest bowls, add
Avocado
Corn
Black beans
Chicken or pulled pork

Prepared: What Does That Mean?

One of my passions in life is hearing stories. I love hearing stories my mom shares about my dad and her life in CA before I was born, or hilarious situations my parents got themselves into. I have laughed at so many of these stories. I have been trying to think of stories I want Sunny and my other future child(ren) to hear one day.  Here is one for the books.

When I was 21, I decided to be adventurous and go for a nanny job back east for the summer.  I needed money for school so why not.

The couple was age 31 and 32 and I thought that seemed really old. They had two boys, age 4.5 and 2.5. The same age Sunny is now.

This couple was not LDS, but that didn't bother me. I was so excited to go. I couldn't even think straight.

My mom was thrilled to see me go, as you can see. ;)

A few days later, I boarded plane. I was starting to feel extremely nervous. What if this couple didn't like me, or what if they thought I was a horrible nanny. Afterall, I had no nanny experience, was only 21,  and only babysat for my sister's kids.

After my one layover, I sat on the plane and decided to take a nap. I had about 3.5 hours until I landed in Portland.

 I had only my purse and a small carry on. I wore a pair of cream capri pants and a t-shirt. I had no change of clothes, or underwear with me as a carry on, and never thought I would need anything. I was good. Or so I thought.

                                       
About 2 hours into the flight, I felt horrible cramps. I decided to go in the bathroom to find out what the hell was going on.

When I arrived in the restroom, I was mortified. There was blood all over my pants, underwear, everything was soaked through the back.  I had started and I had nothing. No change of clothes, underwear, nothing with me on the plane.

Back then, I didn't keep track of my friend. If I had, this could of been prevented. 

I did what any desperate lady would do and grabbed a ball of toilet paper and used that for my protection. However, I was wearing a cropped t-shirt and the back of my pants was covered in blood for the world to see. How could I have not known I was bleeding this bad. I was not raining, I was pouring. The altitude does this, scary!

 I so wished I had an extra shirt to tie around my waist, but nothing. 

 I tried to saturate the back of my pants with water and scrubbed. It only made it less bright red and more brown. Blood does not come out too well and I could not remove my pants to allow them to soak.

 I was in major trouble. A very classy couple was picking me up very soon, and I needed to come up with a plan and FAST.

I sat in the bathroom for a good while. I remember the FA asking me if all was okay in there.
I could not face this couple or anyone.

I thought of several plans, all which seemed ridiculous. I had no layover and my plane was landing soon.

1. I would turn my pants around and wear them backwards. I had a purse and carry on. I would conceal the stain by carrying my purse in front of me.

2. I would see if I could purchase a pair of new pants at the airport, then run back to the baggage claim and meet the couple there.  This plan wasn't the best, however. I distinctly remember them saying they were going to meet me right at the first gate off the plane.

I decided to go with the first plan. I turned my pants around and decided to put my purse in front of me. This had to work!!

When I finally landed, I arrived off the plane and the couple was there. The husband was very handsome. We introduced ourselves and we walked to baggage claim.  They were so kind and generous. 

I had managed to pull off something and we arrived at Sabago Lake, ME around 10 pm.  

This was the best job, and I had a blast out there. But the embarrassment doesn't end yet.

25 days later:

I was on the deck and the husband and wife were behind me. I was chatting with some other people and we were interacting with the kids. We were talking about how the summer was almost over and how it was almost time for me to be heading back to UT.  A few minutes later, the wife came up from behind me and whispered in my ear.  

"Amy, I don't mean to humiliate you, but we noticed you have blood all over your behind. You better take your pants in to soak them."  I looked behind me and sure enough, I did it.

 I had started my period again. I thought I was going to die!

Lesson learned. Keep track of your cycles to avoid this kind of chaos.

Back then I did not think this was amusing but as I look back on these experiences, I am reminded that nobody is exempt from humiliation. We all make mistakes, plan poorly, or forget to prioritize. 

These shocking experiences made me prepare! 

With each January first that comes, we can reflect back on the past and decide to make positive changes in weaker areas of our lives. With me, that is certainly keeping track of dates!!

We may not be able to understand Mother Nature, but we can be prepared in all areas of our lives for the better.

Areas I am learning to become better prepared in include:

1. Food storage ( I can't emphasize how important this is, in addition to water supply) Don't forget a can opener.

2. Water, blankets and pillows, a change of old run down clothing for the entire family, to be kept in all vehicles. In my trunk, I have a supply of some of these things,

3. An empty container for gasoline

4. matches

5. A car that always has at least a half a tank of gas in it.

6. Hidden cash (You can't rely on debit cards in case of emergencies)

7. flashlights, battery operated radio, knives, and tools

8. A calender

9. Shampoo and soap and other sanitation needs

10. A First Aide Kit and medications such as aspirin, etc.

Rodney is a HUGE food storage and emergency prepardness organizer. I am thankful he has instilled this importance in me.

To anyone,  I hope this story brought a smile on your face and made you realize that you may not be alone in the idiot department.

This is just one of many, many humiliating stories I have to share.

I hope this New Year brings peace, love, preparedness, and positive changes in our lives as we prepare for what really matters.  Love ya!

Jo Frost's Toddler Rules- Finished Book Summary (Stuff I need to remember)

I have read a couple of parenting books this past year and skimmed through several Parent's Magazine. However, Jo's book is the first book that really makes sense to me. I always loved watching her on Super Nanny, but her book is even better. She is one woman who knows her stuff. Everything I have practiced on Sunny has worked.  These notes are mainly for my own records to reflect back on when needed.

Here are my favorite tips she shared.

1. Write down your house rules, even if kids can't read yet.  Word them in simple language and put the rules somewhere you can see them everyday. For me, this will most likely be on the fridge or our Dinner Menu White Board.

Sample Rules For a 2 year old can look like:

1. Listen and Follow Directions

2. Clean up your toys after use

I like to offer a Consequence Board as well

1. After two warnings, you will get a time out. Time out will be in a corner where you can still see mom, and will be 2. and a half mintues (your age)

2. If you refuse to stay in time out, you will lose a priviledge, (This one may have to wait. Sunny has no clue what priviledges are).

Communicating With Your Child

When you are stating your boundaries and expectations, Jo says to speak in a way that your toddler understands what you are saying to them.  Here are her tips:

1. Get close to the child, no more then 3 feet away.

2. Make eye contact

3. Express yourself in a simple, straightforward language. "I want you to put your book away on this shelf now."

4. Always show conviction and respect in your tone.

Three Simple Steps to Positive Behavior

1. Tell the child what to do

2. Show the child how to do it (role model)

3. Praise and reward when child does it correct.

I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement and avoiding any negatives such as using "No" all the time. I think by stating what you want the child to do instead, works better. Here is an example.

If I notice that Sunny has not picked up her toys, saying "Sunny, I love when you pick up your toys, you are so good at it, can you show me how good you are at doing it right now." Timing her with a stopwatch and saying, "Hurry, Hurry, you have ten seconds" this method works like a charm.

Another important Rule that I need to set for myself is to limit screen time.  I have been so awful at putting her in front of the TV while I get things done. After reading Jo's book, I know that screen time should only be 30 minutes or less at age 2.  Kids brains develop from interaction and fine motor skills.

I also am working on having more structure in her day and to not get so uptight about messes. Because, according to Jo: Toddlers and messy and it is good. Parents need to allow it. Messes such as fingerpaint, clay and sand, etc, playing in dirt or mud, it is all good for them.

Sunny gets very bored and wants a lot of interaction. The issue I run into when it's just her and I at home, is how to constantly entertain her and get things done as well.  Her attention span is only so long, and both of us do get stir-crazy if we are confined in the house for to long.  Taking her out of the house and having her be entertained by others (besides me) is what I am aiming at.

Rodney and I were talking and we both decided that Sunny needs to belong to something where she is around other people and learning at the same time. We are looking into different programs offered here such as possibly dance, toddler yoga or tumbling, toddler art classes.

I think the more stimuli she gets, the better her behavior may be. It may be worth the extra expense.

Some other info that Jo shares is using consistant discipline.  

I have been so lacks at discipline.. At first, I let her get away with things, just to avoid a tantrum or crying. Now I know how wrong that is. According to Jo:

Kids feel the most safe and secure when they know their boundaries and have consistant discipline. Kids who are not disciplined are the ones who feel the most insecure.

Parents teach positive behavior through love, praise and modeling correct behavior.  

One huge eye opener Jo emphasized is:

Kids need the most discipline up to Four years old. That is when their brains are learnin and developing for life. If correct behavior is not taught until after 4, it is often too late and kids have an established behavior that may be difficult to break.

Toddlers need constant communication and repetition. Reading the same book over and over is increasing her vocabulary, and looking at more ISPY books is great at keeping her attention. She loves those kinds of books.
  I have started communicating to Sunny more and letting her know what is going on, where we are going, what we are doing, and what behavior I expect from her. I see a huge change in behavior.  Here is an example:

When we are going somewhere, I will say, "Sunny, we are getting ready to go somewhere, let's go find our shoes and put them on."

"Sunny, we are going to get into the car now, can you put yourself in your carseat and buckle yourself in." Do you need my help?"

"Sunny, we are going to an appointment and I need you to be on your very best behavior while we are there."

"Sunny, this is an elevator, it will take us up to where we need to go."

"Sunny, we are now at the appointment, do you remember when I told you to be on your best behavior" Can you show me what a good girl you always are."

"Sunny, I see you are being so good right now. I have been watching you and I am so so proud of you."

This method works amazing. I have seen not only her vocabulary expanding, but her behavior is improving too.

There are more notes I need to take, but will do so later.  Highly recommend this book.

Dried Citrus Fruit

Next Christmas, I'm onto something different.

                           Smells so good

Why oh why didn't I think of dehydrating citrus fruit earlier.

Anyway, next year:

1. I would love a real tree. I LOVE the smell of pine.

2. I want everything decorated in dried citrus fruit. Limes, grapefruit, lemons, oranges and cranberry acorn garlands. I can just smell my house. Yum!

This year, I am already done. I was tempted to take down tons of my decor and put some citrus fruit and cranberry garlands up that I've been working on. But, I am tired for a real good reason ;), and I know I can wait to go all out next year.

I decided to purchase some citrus fruit and cranberries (to practice) and make some lovely citrus ornaments and garlands, just a few. It is so easy, and much cheaper then buying common ornaments at store.

To dry the fruit, all you do is slice each fruit with stem on. You can add a little vanilla and cinnamon if you like. They are not for eating, but might be tempting for a certain toddler to try out. This idea below is awesome.  I will attempt that next year.

These are two great ideas I found from happytrailswildtails.com

Next year,  this will be our family home evening craft.

To make the dried fruit:

Place on oven rack not baking sheet and bake at 120 for 2-3 hours.

Allow to cool,  then poke a needle through with string attached for garland, or for ornaments,  just do the same, but shorten length to desire.