Decluttering

So I have a goal to declutter 365 items from my home in 2011. By declutter I mean items given away (not thrown away or sold.) Also it doesn't count if I give away an item and replace with a similar one (for example I replaced one tv stand with another, so that doesn't change amount given away.)

I just gave away a box of clothes, about 42 items. I also gave away an end table last weekend. Plus the 198 given so far, for a total of 241 items given away in 2011. 124 more to go.

I have also thrown away alot, but still it seems my home is overflowing.

I was reading a blog of a couple who owned nothing more than 100 items. I can't even wrap my head around that (I think I have like 100 utensils), but I do like the idea of less and having some empty spaces.

Are you trying to declutter this year? In general?

-Becky

Happy Mother's Day!

Moms rock!

Great Adventure

Yesterday another homeschool family, they boys, and I went to Six Flags Great Adventure. It was homeschool day and not open to the general public. The boys love riding rides, so they would go there everyday.

Great Adventure had all these companies set up and questionnaires for the kids to ask the companies. Plus they had workbooks the kids could do to figure out some of the roller coasters (building them, money, etc.) I appreciate when companies recognize homeschoolers. Especially since statistics show about 5% of kids in USA are being homeschooled (and it is hard to track because many do not register that fact.)

The weather was so nice, cool, but sunny as well. And the rides had almost no lines. We all had a great day.

I got the boys each season passes to Great Adventure for Easter. If bought before Easter they were only $99 each for a 3 park pass (Great Adventure, the Safari, and the water park as well.) So now we can go anytime they are open until they close in Oct. Admission for one day to Great Adventure only is $59.99, so the season pass pass for itself if you go twice.

In addition to rides they have daily animal shows (dolphins and tigers, two separate shows), weekly events (like a skateboarding show), and a summer concert series (most cost a few dollars extra, some are free with park admission or season passes.)

Do you live near any Six Flags? Have you ever been to one?

-Becky

Raw food only

For the next three days I will be eating raw food only. I have been working my way to this since Thur. of last week (5 days now) by not eating meat, and by eating about half my daily food as raw.

Why am I doing this? Honestly, I am overweight and I need to jump start losing weight.

Plus I need more energy and raw food (especially green smoothies) gives me lots of energy.

In addition to needing to lose weight and wanting more energy, I have been sick with digestive issues for years. Not to mention depression, and insomnia. All things that I think are relate to bad food choices and improper bacteria balance in my gut (and stress.)

I am coming to the realization that most of us (myself included) aren't eating much real food daily. Processed food processes out most of what are bodies need. It is sad, especially since these foods are so cheap. These foods are almost void of nutrients, and my body especially is screaming for these nutrients. It tells me so when I start to crave my green smoothies after missing a day.

So I have decided that I will eat raw food only for the next three days.

I bought some raw cashews for protein, but I am sure a few days without would be ok too.

Some other items on my list for the next three days are:

spinach
blueberries
strawberries
apples
brussel sprouts
flax seed
wheat grass
beets
extra virgin olive oil
apple cider vinegar
raw honey

This is what I have in house, but basically I can eat any fruit or veggie or raw (not cooked or heated in any way) nut or seed, as much as I want to feel satisfied. I can drink water, fresh juice, and green smoothies to my heart's desire.

I will not be eating:

any meat (cooked or raw)
any cooked food
any sugar
any processed food
pasteurized milks, cheeses, or juices
eggs (cooked or raw)

The only flaw in my plan, I just bought yummy gourmet marshmallows from Wholefoods. I will have to eat one tonight and hide the rest till Saturday.

Now, of course if I mess up no one will know, but I am doing this to get a jump start on my health, so I will only cheat myself if I do mess up.

If this stuff seems to intrigue you go to this site. I ordered the 12 step program and it is so good. It is about educating ourselves and eating real and raw food.

Tell me what you think.

-Becky

Can you do me a favor?

Please go this blog and become a follower, they need more followers asap. Plus they are real, amazing people. Courtney and I have been friends since high school and even with her kids, homeschooling, etc., she is always there when I need prayer or encouragement. She is the real deal!

So please go follow them asap.

And if you really like me post there blog on yours as well so your friends can follow them too.

Thanks so much!!!

-Becky

Swings

The boys and I went to the park the other day. Who doesn't like the swings?



Joshua
Jason

7 Quick Dinner Ideas

Here are 7 meals that can go from fridge to table in about 30 min.

1) Tacos
Cook meat in crock pot so it is ready when you get home.
Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings. Heat shells and you are ready to go. Even without crock pot I can get this entire meal from fridge to table in 30 min. (if meat is defrosted.)

2) Salmon (or any fish you prefer)
Place salmon and asparagus or broccoli (or any veggie) in foil. Squeeze lemon juice over entire thing. Close foil around, bake in oven or on grill about 30 min. Super easy and no clean up (just toss the foil.) (I get the salmon at Costco for about $20 which last us 4 meals.)

3) Stir fry
Make rice. While rice is cooking make stir fry.
If you want chicken cook those pieces first, add any veggies (broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc.) Add any sauce you may like (soy, etc.) By the time the rice is done the chicken and veggies will be too. I can make all this in about 30 min.

4) Potato Bar
Preheat oven. Start potatoes in microwave (pierce with fork first) for about 15 min., then finish off in oven for about another 15 min. While they bake prepare any toppings you like (cheese, sour cream, salsa, butter, etc.) Steam any veggie you have on hand and you have a quick meal (which is surprisingly filling.)

5) Nachos
Preheat oven, place tortillas on cookie sheet, add cheese and any other toppings you like. Heat for about 10 min. While they heat make a quick salad. My kids love this as dinner.

6) Pizza
Preheat oven. You can use English muffins or dough, both are easy. Add sauce (I use left over pasta sauce) and any toppings you like and cheese (out of mozzarella add any.) Cook and in about 20 min. enjoy. If you wish toss a salad while pizza is baking.

7) Breakfast for dinner
Eggs, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal all can be made in 30 min. or less (even from scratch.) Add some fresh fruit and maple syrup and you are good to go.

You can make these meals with ingredients from scratch, organic ingredients, or whatever you fancy. (If cooking from scratch make things like tortillas and pizza dough in advance and freeze, take out night before you will need.)

The most important thing is to keep it simple and enjoy the time spent with your family.

-Becky