Vim and Vigor

This Moment

;: This Moment ::

God's bounty :: Opening up our children's world to new foods

 :: Kale ::

It's been fun in the last year, to try out new foods with our family we had never before.  In our western world, I think the cheesy-doodles and their fun commercialized friends such as sugar pop, get much more attention then what me might call the "lowly" veggie hanging out with all his cruciferous buddies.

Come on, I mean, who wants to eat something that's (whisper now so the kids won't hear you)....green. 

With 5 kids in the house ranging in age from 1 to almost 16...believe me.  I know rejection at the table. 

Like a few months ago. 

I thought the kids might enjoy being enlightened in the area of clams.  After all, I had only recently read One Morning in Maine to the little ones. (And, please, if you have little ones,  read all the Robert McCloskey books you can get in your hands.  You won't regret it. ) The characters in the story are digging up clams in lovely seaside Maine, and are thrilled about the fact that they are going to have clam chowder for lunch! 

Wouldn't that be fun, I thought...to suprise my kids and make them clam chowder as well? 

Ummmmm.....no.

They didn't find it fun at all.

In fact, when I lovingly brought a large bubbling pot of chowder to the table, and my six loved ones who were hungry and looking at me so lovingly found out what was in it---well, let's just say they were making plans under their breath to each other about the fastest way to escape the table, grab their coats, and drive to the local pizza hut.

Thankfully they love me enough, that they took some painful looking bites. Along with some words about clams and how they are not fit for human consumption.

All that to say, my family doesn't just shovel food mindlessly into their little mouths, and thank me at the end of each meal.

So, onto my little project of trying new foods---in tasty ways that the whole family can enjoy.

 

Kale is something that was not even gracing our refrigerator shelves until a few months ago.  Now, I purchase it almost every time I walk the lanes of our local grocery store.

Why is it so good for you?  Kale is high in beta carotene, vitamin C and K, lutein and also reasonably high in calcium.    

Here is an excerpt on kale from Nourishing Traditions:

Kale is one of several dark green leafy vegetables of the cabbage family, related to collards and mustard greens.  All of these greens provide calcium, iron, and carotenoids in abundance, as well as many anticancer factors. Kale and related greens should always be eaten cooked--but not overcooked-- so that the oxalic acid they contain is neutralized.

Now, how to get your family to enjoy kale? We are in love with this Zuppa Tuscana soup recipe.  The first time I made it, my teen girls hugged and kissed me they loved it so much.  After the clam chowder recipe...well, let's just say I'm glad they enjoy it!

I made a few changes to it for our family....

1 pound of bacon (prefer nitrate free...when it's on sale we stock up.)

1 pound of ground turkey

7-8 red potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

8-9 cups chicken stock (homemade, or use natural bouillon...or part water/part stock)
3+ cups whole milk or raw cream--(we have omitted this without any problem)
1 head of kale (5-6 leaves, as desired), chopped

Spike seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese

In a small pan, cook the bacon. Save bacon grease, if desired. Cool and finely chop. In a large pot, cook the ground turkey (sprinkled liberally with spike seasoning, onions, and garlic (in bacon grease, if desired) until the turkey has browned. Crumble turkey as you cook it. Add the potatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, turn it down to low and simmer for 20 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are tender. Add the milk, kale, and bacon and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste. Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor! Enjoy! Makes 6-8 servings. Freezes well.

Here is another tasty way that we love to eat more kale:

 

--Another way we enjoy kale is in smoothies!  However, how do we get around the fact that they it should be cooked when you eat it?  I purchase some kale....lightly wilt it with a bit of water in a pan, then blend it in the blender, and stick the blended concoction into my ice cube tray and freeze. 

It only takes a few minutes to do, and anytime I want to add kale to a smoothie....I just grab a little cube or two, and plop it in.

I hope you enjoy discovering some new foods with your family, and send me a note or a shout out, if this was helpful for you.  I love hearing from you all.

Keep checking the God's bounty :: Opening up our children's world to new foods category to the right, for more additions.

Have you tried any new foods or recipes with your family lately? Leave a comment or leave a link for us all to discover what you've done in your home....

Blessings,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter and Fight Back Friday}

This Moment

 

 

:: This Moment ::

:: Fun with my eldest daughter ::

:: All natural-henna-hair coloring ::

 

Thank goodness for do-overs.

 I did it. I did it. I did it. 

For those of you, that knitting came quite easily....I am a bit envious.  It takes a bit more work for me.  This not-your-average washcloth, was frogged 5 times.  You know.....I "ribbit" ripped it out that many times for a do-over. 

The last time I decided to start over was on our long drive to Minnesota for the holidays.  I looked up at my husband who was driving, and told him I had majorly messed this knitting up.  He looked at me and said "Don't rip it out....you've come so far." I was over halfway done.  However, I was trying not to swear I was so mad at the yarn, and I frogged it quickly. 

Then, I didn't want to think or talk about yarn for a while.  After I cooled down for a few days, muttering under my breath at the poor little ball of yarn every time I walked by it...I decided to give it another go.

Thank goodness for do-overs.  Sometimes that just what you need.

A brand new year is ahead, and I've heard from many how they cannot wait to begin 2012, and leave 2011 behind.  I've had years that I've thought the same thing.  It's like we get a do-over, and start again fresh and new.

I've been thinking a lot this past week, about areas I would like to see growth in this year.  And also, how was God working in me this past year? Do you have areas in your spiritual life that need a do-over....I know I do.

I would encourage you to take some time to write down some spiritual goals for yourself. Whether it be more time in the word, getting into and finishing a great bible study, or learning how to depend on Him more. Also, remember to get those goals into bite-size chunks, so they are manageable.  Get specific such as----which bible study, how much time each day will you devote to it, and so forth. 

This week I'll be posting some of my specific goals for the year, and I hope they encourage you to grow as well.  I know so many awesome women have encouraged me to not be complacent where I am, or to get frustrated when I fail.  Thank heaven for do-overs!

His mercies are new every morning Lamentations 3: 22-24

For those of you interested: The pattern for the Not-Your-Average Washcloth can be found in the book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders by Elizabeth Prusiewicz .  I just used a simple cotton yarn, purchased at Wal-mart. Easy to throw in the wash...and fun to use.

Blessings,

Joy~

(My youngest of 5, with a smile for you all....)

{This post will remain at the top for a few days....I will continue with new posts added below this one.}

 

Hello, moneysavingmom readers and all my other readers from far and wide, as well!  I'm so glad you decided to stop by today, and hope you'll find encouragement in your walk along the way here at Vim and Vigor.  You'll find all sorts of variety here, from healthy, real food (and yummy!, don't forget that) recipes, to raising our children to be strong in the Lord, to crafting with the kids (or on our own), you'll find a lot here.  I hope you'll pour a cup of tea and stay awhile.....I'm so glad you came!

Coming up this week after a wonderful break for a Minnesota holiday vacation:

My goals for the coming year....spiritually, financially, book lists to read, and so on......

New blog projects....52 new foods for your table, and how to get your family to love them! I'll be featuring a new food that may not be on your table on a regular basis, and a yummy recipe, and pictures to go with it. Featuring one new food each week.

Beauty foods....look good on the outside, and feel great inside, too! A series featuring foods that are wonderful for the complexion, acne and /or wrinkles, and foods that boost the metabolism.....without sparing on taste.

My latest knitting project.....one that's great for beginning knitters, but is unique and special.

A special photography project I'm working on this year with my children....you may want to do this in your home as well....even if you are lacking in photography skills, as I can be at times ;).

Hope to find you here again....

Blessings in the journey,

Joy~

If you'd like to read my featured post on momeysavingmom.com, click here.

Decorating your holiday home, and serving others with a budget in mind.

We have opened our door to quite a few people over the past few days, and with the holidays coming I wanted to make our home carry the spirit of that, and be welcoming at the same time.  Also, my goal was to use what I had on hand as much as possible, so as to have guests in our home without using money we need for gifts and such.

In the photograph above, I used a hand-me-down quilt my hubby's grandmother made to lay over a vintage sewing machine table. On top of the quilt I placed a vintage church, (you know the ones with the little light bulb in them), that was used in my childhood home, as well as a little empty jar.  The tree was given to me by a friend as a surprise gift last year, after we had their family over for dinner.  It was left on my porch, and I have loved it ever since.

On the tree, to make it look snowy, I just took a couple of cotton balls, and spread them thin around the tree.  Also, I found a piece of white fabric that was wrinkled and had frayed sides.  I folded the edges in around the tree as a skirt, and noone will ever know it's not perfect.

These little trees were so fun to make, and were just cut from old sweaters I had on hand, and felted.  (Washed in hot water, and put into hot dryer.)  The pattern for the circles can be found here. They made some inexpensive, and simple to make centerpieces for the table.

I went tramping out in the cold on a hike with my little guy to pick up some sticks for these stars.  The weather was a bit wet, so I left them to dry for a half-day in our mudroom.  Then, I broke them into similar sized pieces, before having my eldest daughter lay them in a star shape, while I did the hot gluing.  We then looped a ribbon, (some wide some skinny) around the middle and actually taped with a small piece of clear packing tape to the inside of the window frames. 

This cute little hanging "Merry Christmas" banner was found and printed from here.  Quick and simple, and not much work.  Just a bit of cutting, and your done! They also have one that says "Believe", but I needed to take up space on our large wall.

Our home was one of the stops in a teen girl's birthday progressive dinner...we provided this wonerful tasting soup, and an activity.  We had a spa themed activity and did epsom salt/essential oil foot soaks, bentonite clay masks, and of course....nail painting. 

Also, today, the men and children of our church gathered here for lunch and fellowship, while us ladies and teen girls went out to lunch.  What a refreshing time to be without the little ones for a bit.  I love being a mother, and miss them when I'm away, but it was nice to sit in a restaurant and not have to cut up anyone's food....or get up and walk a fussy baby around!

I hope you have come away with a sense that you can decorate your home, and make it welcoming to others, without having to spend a pretty penny.  I encourage you to take the time, to love others and show your children the joy of serving others in your home.  It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive, but it seems that when we do give....we are given an abundance of joy. 

Blessings on you and your family,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of The great holiday barn hop and Works for me Wednesday}

::A year in pictures; Our babe turns one ::

 

 



 













You turn one today, my son.

What a gift God has given to us, in you.

In the wee hours of the morning, I prayed Psalm 33 over your life.

We all love you dearly, our little man.

Simple joys

 

 

 :: The first snowfall ::

:: Time to work on Christmas gifts ::

 :: Sledding with the kids...laughter.....sunshine ::

 

:: Watching our chickens reaction to the snow ::

:: Adding things I've never put before on my simple joys list: sledding with chickens

Disclaimer:  No chicken was ever forced to sled or was hurt in the making of this blog post...they seem to find ways to enjoy the snow, too!

 

This moment

This moment

Inspired by Soulemama

Some natural gift ideas....

 

{My husband deligently working on gifts for the kids last year.}

There are so many wonderful ideas for Christmas and the like roaming around the internet, and I just wanted to share some with you: 

Some we will be buying, some making, and some we are just oooohing and aaaahing at....you get the picture, right? 

By the way, if you are one of my lovely family members...well, you can stop reading right here!!!

• Gorgeous free trade scarves--100% Free trade, and a Christian company that I have purchased from time and time again.
  
• Beautiful hair clips from Lilla Rose--This is on my list for a gift, for sure! So feminine and pretty.
  
• Has the cost of playsilks deterred you, as it has me?  This tutorial can help you to make your own! The possibilities for play with these are endless.
• Do you know of a mama who has little ones, and they enjoy time in the kitchen?  This book would be an excellent gift for them. It teaches little ones the basics in the kitchen, using wholesome ingredients...and includes over 45 recipes. 
• Do you have someone who is athletic on your list?  Or, maybe a loved one who has back or neck pain? I highly recommend Classical Stretch workouts for young and old alike.  The workouts are taught by a former ballerina, yet she teaches many football players.  She has helped me to rid my body of any back pain, from carrying my hefty little almost one year old, and she helps to build lean (not bulky) muscles.  After I workout in the mornings, I feel as light as a feather. 
• This unique clay cookware would be such a joy to use in the kitchen. Lead-free, and safet to cook with...function and beauty are at their best here.
  

Have a wonderful weekend,

Joy~

{This post is a part of Monday mania and Homestead Barn Hop}

Nourishing fruit based desserts

 

With the holidays ahead of us, comes the challenge of trying to maintain a healthy, whole foods diet. A few days ago I was researching information for my healthy families class, and came across this inspiring article about fruit-based desserts.  Wonderful! 

As Kimi Harris wrote in her article, "What I see in a lot of traditional recipes is a large use of fruit to help sweeten desserts, or to act as dessert by themselves.  Fruit based desserts are delicious, and are also full of wonderful nutrients and anti-oxidants. They are naturally sweet so that we don’t have to use as much sweetener."

Thinking about fruit and history, I am taken back to the book I am enjoying with my 7 year old son, Little House in the Big Woods.  They used maple sugar and honey as their main sweeteners....while the "store bought" sugar, (white sugar), that Pa comes home with from the general store, was only used when company came over.  I also recall oranges being a wonderful gift for them at Christmastime.  An indulgent and special treat.

If only we can see fruit as the gift God intended it to be.  Nourishing, wonderful and satisfying.

Yes, even in the late fall, you can be making beautiful, (and beautifying), fruit based desserts.  Obviously, in the middle of summer's bounty, it is easier to think of all the wonderful berry and fruit desserts.  But, how about in late November?  Do you know what fruits are in season now? 

• cranberries
• lemons
• oranges
• pears
• pomegranate
• apples
• avocado

-these are just a few of the wonderful life-giving fruits that are in season, even in the cold of the year. 

Imagine some lovely almond-cranberry scones for a late brunch over a holiday weekend, adding dices of orange to an orange julius smoothie for a refreshing breakfast, or how about a scrumptious pear, apple or peach crisp for a nourishing after dinner dessert? Also, a beautifying treat anytime, is this chocolate pudding, based on bananas and avocados....you'll be coming back to this one, time and time again! And, don't forget this light coconut whipped cream, that tastes like Cool Whip, but is so good for you.  Put on top of seasonal pies, crisps, and/or fruit, everyone at your table will be impressed!

These would be a lovely addition to any holiday table, or anytime in between.  Here is to nourishing our bodies' all through the year.

 Blessings,

Joy~

This post is a part of:

Fight Back Friday

Homestead Barn Hop

Monday Mania

Real Food Wednesday

Works for me Wednesday

Simple Lives Thursday

Frugal Friday