Hostess is shutting down! Win or Fail....

Hostess has been around since 1930 and after 82 years of business they will be shutting down and filing bankruptcy.
My heart does go out to the thousands of folks who will be losing their jobs and their families.The main reason for closing 33 manufacturing bakeries, 565 distribution centers and thousands of delivery routes and outlet stores is due to the union strikes. Hostess says they are no longer profiting and need to cut wages and benefits, however the union workers disagree and have been on strike. Last week they had to close three plants and now will be filing for bankruptcy. Hostess also said that a major contributor to loss of profit is the many Americans now concerned with eating healthy. YAY!

Hostess is the producer of some major snack and bakery items found in many households including:

Now I will admit that I have done some serious indulging in their yummy, sugary, chocolaty treats. However I have jumped on the healthy bandwagon and have done extensive research in to what is really in our food. No matter how delicious something tastes, if it is packed with artificial ingredients, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup I will no longer be purchasing it. It has been quite some time since Hostess products have made an appearance in my home.

Let's discuss Twinkies. They last for years....how can this be natural?. How can so many people like to eat these baked treats when they contain high fructose corn syrup, modified corn starch, three different soy derivatives and has filler ingredients that are more closely linked with petroleum than an actual food group?

I believe it is due to the general public not keeping themselves informed or having enough worry to do the research.

So, in my opinion, I feel no pity for Hostess closing. In fact I think it is a good thing that a company who provides so many unhealthy and artificial foods is going out of business. Less crap on our grocery store shelves and a definite WIN for those of us who are becoming more health conscience.

5 Best Uses for Lemons

When life gives you lemons......You get way more than lemonade!

I love how useful lemons are, they truly are a super fruit! Lemons are wonderful because they have strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immune boosting powers. This is on top of them being great for our digestive system and liver. Plus it provides humor to me when my son wants to eat lemon slices. If I'm cutting a lemon he will just grab a slice. No matter how many sour, silly faces come of it - he still continues to eat them.
So here are my five favorite uses for lemons:

1.) Flavor & Tenderize a Whole Chicken
I buy and cook whole chickens fairly often, they are easy to prepare and everyone loves a fresh cooked bird. I cut a lemon in half and stuff it inside the chicken, after taking all the guts out. (Ew!) I also slice open little pockets in the birds skin and place butter slices underneath, sprinkle the whole chicken generously with salt and pepper, a little garlic powder and throw that chicken in the oven; cooked according to weight/directions on packaging sticker. About 10 minutes before it is done I rub a stick of butter over the bird to juice it up. This makes the most tender and juicy chicken!
2.) Keep Apples Fresher Longer
My son never ends up eating all the apple slices I cut up for him. I stick the extra in a bowl and squeeze a little lemon juice on them and store in the fridge for later. The lemon keeps the apple slices from browning.
3.) Sore Throat Remedy
Add some fresh lemon juice and honey - another natural germ killer - to a cup of hot water to sooth a sore throat while killing bacteria.
4.) Lemon Cubes
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays, allow them to freeze and then store in a Ziploc bag. These are awesome to have on hand if you have frequent recipes that call for lemon juice. Also great to thaw and make a quick homemade dressing. Olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette and some lemon juice. Yum!

5.) Clean and Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
Toss a few lemon peels in the garbage disposal  to kill bacteria and get rid of the nasty disposal smell.

Chili

Recipe of the Week:

This has to be one of my favorite cold weather foods! It is a dish I make fairly often during the Fall and Winter months. I usually make a double batch and freeze it so I can easily pull it out to reheat. It is easy to prepare and not very time consuming - which is a plus while you have a toddler running around :)

Brown two pounds of ground beef, I use Ground Sirloin, less grease and much leaner.
My husband and son are very turned off to a lot of vegetables so when I get to make a heavy dish like this I load it with veggies! This time around I used carrots, celery, yellow and orange peppers, onion and fresh garlic cloves. You can grate the carrots and celery and finely dice the peppers and onion; the garlic should be minced.

Cook the ground beef, drain and return to large sauce pot. 

Toss in the following vegetables:

One peeled and grated carrot

Two stalks of washed and grated celery stalks

One finely diced white onion

Half of a yellow and orange pepper; finely diced

Two cloves of garlic; minced

Stir together and feel proud of the nutritious veggies you will be sneaking in to your family's dinner :)

Add in the following:

Two cans of light red kidney beans - or dark red if you prefer

Two cans of Italian style diced tomatoes

Two packages of chili seasoning - you can choose a spicy version if you'd like

Mix everything together well and your work is done. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes on medium low heat, stirring occasionally.

Enjoy the aroma invading your kitchen :)

After cooking, allow chili to slightly cool.

Divide between two gallon freezer bags and flatten out - to save freezer space!

The great thing about chili is it can be kept frozen for up to 6 months. Also it is great to have a dinner ready to go that your family loves!

Allow chili to thaw in the fridge or you can thaw in water, reheat on stove, allowing temperature to reach 160 degrees.

Enjoy!

Haircut Day!

Most kids hate haircuts - on top of many other things. My son loves them - he actually enjoys it. After my husband was finished with his haircut, Jordan climbed up in the chair and said, "My turn!"

Now I don't know if he likes getting a cut because his Nana is the one cutting his hair, or if he just really likes it. This is definitely an advantage to have my mother-in-law own a salon :)

This is his serious face!

Around the ears tickled :)

Check out these curls!

Isn't this the most adorable face!?

Lovin' it! He was watching in the mirror so intently.

I just love how awesome this boy can be! He takes the simplest things so seriously, in the greatest way.

Family Outing ....

It is very rare that we get an absolutely perfect Fall day in November, without the cold wind or a too cloudy sky, so we decided to take advantage of this one. After a busy morning of errands and some needed haircuts  we concluded that a trip to the cider mill was a must!

This is the look on the face of a boy who is experiencing pure happiness. He had to ride the pony twice. I just love this boy!

(Plus, check out the crazy hair cut on the horses' mane)

What a perfect Saturday!

Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Recipe of the Week:

Homemade Natural Chewy Granola Bars

In light of all the GMO's, processed, preservative-filled, high fructose corn syrup loaded food, I decided to have my weekly recipe post be something that you can be happy to have you or your children eat. They are really delicious and so much better for your body than whatever Nature Valley and Quaker have packed in their granola bars.

**Here is what you will need**
-4 cups old fashioned oats (you can even get these gluten free if you prefer)
-1/3 cup coconut oil (this may not be carried at major grocers', try a health food store or a Whole Foods, etc.)
-1 cup raw honey (again you may need to get this at a specialty health store)
-1/4 tsp. sea salt
-1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups of almonds OR walnuts OR pecans (whichever nut you prefer) - chop them up
1/2 cup of natural or organic chocolate chips

Let's get these bars started!

Preheat the oven to 350.
-Place oats on an ungreased rimmed cookie sheet (about 11x17'') and toast in the heatev over for 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes.
-While those are in the oven, melt honey and coconut oil in saucepan over medium heat. Do not burn it. Remove from stove and toss in the vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Stir until dissolved.
-Add the oats to the saucepan mixture and evenly coat. Add your choice of chopped nuts, stir evenly. Lastly, stir in the chocolate chips.
-Line a rimmed baking sheet (about 10"x15") with parchment paper.  **TIP - sprinkle with a few drops of water to keep paper in place.)
-Dump oat mixture onto cookie sheet and spread out.Use your hands or spatula to press mixture into pan evenly. (You can wet your hands to prevent batter from sticking, or use place parchment paper between batter and your hands while pressing it out.)

Now, bake for approximately 8-9 minutes. Just until edges begin to brown, no longer. Cool completely before removing bars and parchment paper from pan. Place on cutting board and cut bars up. I cut mine into 24 bars, but you can make any amount/size you would like.

And.....Viola!

One of my favorite books ....

Trust me when I say that I love to read! Ever since I was a child I have been a complete bookworm. I would take a book and a blanket over television, a computer and, of course, cleaning. Since becoming a mother I am unable to indulge as much as I would like, but it makes the time I have to stuff my nose in a novel much more satisfying.
I like to read many sorts of books. I won't lie; I have read both popular series out right now, 50 Shades of Grey and The Hunger Games. Both of which I enjoyed (for different reasons) .....
My favorite books of all are classics, romance, fiction, non-fiction - Ok, ok, so I do not have a defined genre of my favorite, but I do know what one of my favorite books must be.

Under the Tuscan Sun - by, Frances Mayes:

Frances Mayes is a total inspiration to countless women. She is a creative writing Professor at San Francisco State University, a poet, an essayist and an adventurer. After suffering through a terrible divorce she tries to start over with a new man; a great man, Ed, who is also a Professor. They spend their summers' off traveling, mainly Italy. This book is an account of descriptions of past travels and their current adventure in Italy where they decide to purchase a villa. Bramasole - a beautiful, abandoned, horribly messy villa that they dedicated endless tiring hours to restoring.

This book describes in the most perfectly simplistic detail the absolute beauty of Tuscany, surrounding villages and piazzas. Describing daily accounts of restoration, travels, mishaps and cooking adventures in an Italian kitchen. This one comes fully packed with recipes of some fine Italian dishes she would make at Bramasole, using fresh ingredients they would grow in their garden.

It beautifully accounts all we could wonder about enjoying the pure beauty of the Tuscan country side. 

I think she is truly brave and wonderful. I will be forever envious of the courage she had to purchase a home in a foreign land, to enjoy long nights on a Tuscan terrace over looking olive trees and fields of sunflowers, drinking wine, eating grapes, living in totally purity.

Of course they made a Hollywood rendition of the novel in to a movie. Don't get me wrong, I really like the movie. However, no movie can compare to a book.

It stars Diane Lane, gosh she wonderful, but it changed some very good plot points to make it more "Hollywood" - I encourage you to check out the movie, but most important, read this wonderful memoir.

It is Election Day in America ...

It is Election Day,

As an avid social media fan, I have been bombarded for the past few weeks with political opinions, photos, arguments, debates and everything else on Facebook and sites similar. I honestly, 100%, think that it is great that we live in a country where we are allowed the freedom to voice our opinions and debate. However, it seems as though many of these people have NO CLUE what they are talking about! I have witnessed several friends turn an online political debate into practically a feud, that in turn leads to losing friends. This is very sad to me - because, it shows how many close minded people are truly out there. Plus, the majority of the time these debates were argued with "opinions" and not FACTS! You can't sway a person or have an intelligent debate without facts. Sadly, it seems as though some of our Presidential candidates have yet to learn this as well.

So here is my main point. From the voice of an average mother:

I really feel as though it would be beneficial if more folks were to realize that you don't have to choose the main political party front runner. A lot of times a third party candidate has a stronger agenda, better facts and more morals. However, we have turned what was intended to be a republic, kept by the people, into a basic feud between parties. We DON'T have to keep this going though. 

I am not going to post here and say, "Vote for this guy!" or "Vote for that guy!" - all I will simply say is that, for this election and all those that come in the future, we need to be smarter and learn facts!

When deciding who to vote for you should really consider much more than who is a Republican or Democrat. You should consider this:

This is OUR Constitution! And, I could bet that half of Americans may not know all that is included in it. However, it was made by grand design. It is a nearly perfect example of how a country should be run ... By the People!

So, when deciding who to vote for please take in to consideration who will uphold this Constitution the best? Who stands behind the rights and liberties given to us? Who knows what this country was built on and will continue to seek freedom for its' citizens'?

These are the important questions. We live in a modern day society that is so hyped up by media that we allow ourselves to get wrapped in to what is being broadcast as opposed to the facts, believes and morals of the possible candidates.

Vote smart, fellow Americans!

My Favorite Season of All ....

I know so many people get hyped up about Summer; lounging around pools, heading off to beaches, having barbecues and working on tans are all great, but I do not get excited about the heat. I'm sure that if I were to live elsewhere may favorite season just might be different, but as a life-long resident of Michigan, my most favorite season of all is .... FALL!

I have so many great childhood memories of my sister and I playing in the leaves of the giant Maple tree in my Grandparents' back yard. I can remember how much I loved to observe the leaves changing from green, to shades of yellow and orange and even fire red. As they fell they would scatter across the entire yard and my sister, Katie, and I could spend hours out there raking and jumping in the leaves. I miss those days :)
Fall also reminds me of trips up to my Great-Grandparents' cabin in Cadillac, MI. Driving through country roads lined with all types of trees, covered in different hues. It was beautiful!

Fall in Michigan seems to bring out the best in people and families. We have tons of cider mills scattered throughout our state and it really brings everyone together. It is pretty much a tradition in most households. This was one of my favorite cider mills to go to as a child: (http://www.spicerorchards.com/)

I can remember the trips we took there, my parents and my sister and I. These were some wonderful childhood memories.  There was so much to look forward to.....
Cider and fresh, warm donuts.

I can remember my Father lifting us up to the trees to pick apples in the orchard :)

And of course there were hayrides, corn mazes and the petting farm. It is such a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon just enjoying family time. Along with enjoying the colors and activities of Fall.

Throughout my life Fall has always been so close to my heart. I was married in the Fall, I couldn't have imagined being wed any other time of year.

Also, one of my favorite photos of my son was taken in the Fall, in Frankenmuth, MI. My husband had some family out to visit from New York, so not only was this photo taken during my favorite time of year but it will also hold so many special memories.

I look forward to all the future Fall seasons I will be able to enjoy. I anticipate taking my son and future children on the cider mill adventures that I treasured so much as a child. But, most of all I look forward to those lazy Fall days of just driving and taking in the beauty of Fall in Michigan and watching the wonder of changing seasons in my son's eyes. 

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Baking Session - Toddler Style

The clouds outside were heavy, the air chilly and my son and I, to be honest, were being lazy. We enjoyed a relaxing morning of playing and coloring. After a quick trip to the store and a much needed nap for him, while I was indulged in the latest novel I'm reading, I decided we needed to do something entertaining for his own sake. So on a cloudy, cold Fall day what else would be better than baking some Chocolate Chip Cookies? That's right, I couldn't think of anything else either:)

So I pulled out the only recipe I ever use for baking chocolate chip cookies ..... I know you must be thinking it is some family secret, a recipe handed down from my great-grandmother or from Mrs. Field's herself. But, the answer is no! I am not the least bit ashamed to admit that my famous cookie recipe is actually none other than the Nestle Toll House recipe. It is fantastic and easy to follow, for those of you who may not be to experienced with baking, this is a big plus.

I begin with pulling out the ingredients we will need. Mixed together with a few, "Hey, don't touch that!" and "Get your fingers out of the butter!", but that is what making things with a toddler entails. While mixing the dry ingredients it took about three solid minutes of stirring the flour before he was fully satisfied. At least my son is thorough :)

Next came the wet ingredients. At which point I had to repeatedly advise Jordan not to lick the spoon that was gooping with butter. However, he was really enjoying life when I cranked the hand mixer on.

After this point I was certain he would loose interest in helping me make cookies and head back off to play with his trucks. But how could I forget that I was about to dump a full bag of chocolate chips into the bowl right in front of him. Since he comes from two parents who are choco-holics, there was no way he could resist this temptation.

Now usually when I bake alone my cookies come out perfectly shaped. Since having such young hands help they looked like this. Custom designed by the cutest boy ever!

We popped these bad boys in the oven and after 20 minutes of baking and cooling down we had a finished product! I was left was a messy counter and this awesome kid hanging out with a cookie he made and his Batman cup of milk.

Yep, homemade Nestle Toll House cookies are definitely going to be more frequent in this house. 

 I have a great helper :)

Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/original-nestl%C3%89-toll-house-chocolate-chip-cookies/detail.aspx

 

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.



New Blogger

Sharing our Lives

Once upon a time two people fell in love and tied the knot, beginning their happily ever after....

Sure we are off to the right start. I mean don't all women want their life story to be so "princess-like" that their memoir would begin with a "once upon a time"? Of course, because we all want to believe that you fall in love, get married, have babies and live happily ever after. Well let me be the first to say that I have never done anything in order and it is not at all "princess-like", but I will be the first to tell you that this whole 'happily ever after' is not something that comes, but rather, it is what you make it. Since finally figuring this out on my own I have learned to live with a new found joy in the simplest things!

I feel the first step is to realize that you will never live a fairytale. Life is plain flat-out chaos. But oh how I revel in the chaos. It is truly grand. I think life should be a roller coaster, if not for highs and lows then we would be stuck at a boring flat line life. Ewww.

So this is my purpose for becoming a blogger - I want to chronicle my life. I want to share photos, memories, thoughts, ideas, recipes, great books and ideas.

I want everyone to know the deepest love I have for my husband :)

And the unconditional love in my heart for this handsome little boy!

And the endlessly fullfilling joy it brings me when I watch the two of them together...