Tuesday, January 19, 2010
What IS hoarfrost?
I've had lots of folks ask what hoarfrost is, so here's the definition: "A deposit of needle-like ice crystals formed on the ground (and objects) by direct condensation at temperatures below freezing point. Also called white frost." Hoar derives from Hoary (both Old English words), meaning grey or white, as if from age; ancient. Hoarfrost is a common earthscience term for this type of freeze. Here are some close ups of the frost. Very pretty and quite interesting.
The Beauty of Freezing Fog
For the last several days it has been extremely foggy here in Iowa. As I get up each morning at 5a to workout, I drive through the outskirts of town, and then into town, and watch as the scenery changes. We have had several days with hoar frost, and the trees are just beautiful.
This is a tiny Japanese Maple that is in my front yard. Today the girls and I will just enjoy a day of being at home. Perhaps I'll clean the kitchen, which I did not do yesterday. We made a trip to Pella, IA yesterday, in order to meet up with some family. A very nice visit, and such a quaint town. I'm looking forward to Tulip time in May. This year I will take the girls to enjoy it.
This is a tiny Japanese Maple that is in my front yard. Today the girls and I will just enjoy a day of being at home. Perhaps I'll clean the kitchen, which I did not do yesterday. We made a trip to Pella, IA yesterday, in order to meet up with some family. A very nice visit, and such a quaint town. I'm looking forward to Tulip time in May. This year I will take the girls to enjoy it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Free Intuit QuickBooks download
Did I mention that I love free stuff? Maybe once or twice? Well, this freebie comes just as I was spending several hours going over our 2010 monthly budget. I am excited to try Quickbooks out. Previously I have always used Excel spreadsheets, as I am too cheap to pay for accounting software. Here's the link: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/qb/products/common/direct_download/email.jsp
After you see what it is that you are actually spending money on each month, you will be able to cut back some. Next you'll be able to stop using credit cards, pay them off AND use a cash only system. You'll love it! I'm looking forward to being back in that place. We used to be a debt free family, but unfortunately, ended up with two homes for almost a year. That threw a wrench in the cash plan. We've learned from that experience and will soon be back to that debt free life (except for our home, but that will come). Good luck!
After you see what it is that you are actually spending money on each month, you will be able to cut back some. Next you'll be able to stop using credit cards, pay them off AND use a cash only system. You'll love it! I'm looking forward to being back in that place. We used to be a debt free family, but unfortunately, ended up with two homes for almost a year. That threw a wrench in the cash plan. We've learned from that experience and will soon be back to that debt free life (except for our home, but that will come). Good luck!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Chance to win a free bag from the Green Bag Lady
I love free stuff! So, thought I'd share yet another one I've come across. It's from the Green Bag Lady found at http://greenbaglady.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-freebie-produce-bags-14-winners.html If none of us wins, we can make our own! Making bags is fun, easy, and very rewarding.
For my 3 yr old's third birthday party, she had a princess tea party theme. I stitched up hot pink fleece bags (clearance fleece from Walmart), that I lined with fabric I salvaged from curtains in a previous house. (See honey, I knew I'd use that some day. Never mind that I salvaged it 13 yrs ago.) Then before finishing the stitching, I sewed hot pink, polk-dot ribbon on for the handles (also clearance at Walmart). Here's what it looks like:
For my 3 yr old's third birthday party, she had a princess tea party theme. I stitched up hot pink fleece bags (clearance fleece from Walmart), that I lined with fabric I salvaged from curtains in a previous house. (See honey, I knew I'd use that some day. Never mind that I salvaged it 13 yrs ago.) Then before finishing the stitching, I sewed hot pink, polk-dot ribbon on for the handles (also clearance at Walmart). Here's what it looks like:
Friday, January 15, 2010
It's Friday! ---- Free Envelop Template
Hi All,
Well, it's Friday, and in my youth I LOVED this day. I was born on a Friday, perhaps a contributing factor. Who knows. Anyway, now that I'm grown up, Friday's just aren't what they used to be. It's just another day. Currently I am listening to my children, who are holed up in the bathroom, singing and saying funny things to each other as they play baby. Cute, but secretly I am just glad that they aren't standing next to me wanting every last bit of my attention.
Today is a rather dreary day as well. Although the temperatures have improved here, low 30s, the sun is shrouded by heavy clouds, making it feel quite cold again. I am looking forward to Saturday, when the temps are expected to rise to close to 40 degrees. I'd like to say that maybe I'll go running outside, but I doubt that will happen. I hate to run. However, since I am training for a triathlon, it's something I need to try and master. This morning I ran (and walked) 2 miles, but had to stop. You see, to make matters worse, I have plantar fascitis in one foot. So now, for the subsequent hours that I have been home, my foot is killing me! I just don't know how to remedy this. I've tried resting it. That works for the pain, but not for running. A shoe insert. Have one. Not so much help and it was even suggested by my doctor. So, instead, I am sitting around at the computer, looking at dishes that need to be put away and having my leg 'pretend licked' by my 6 yr old, because now she is a kitten.
Before I head off to put away the dishes, throw laundry into the dryer, and empty the water out of my 3 yr old's baby dolls (they were taking a bath), I will share a cool project with you that I found via www.econobusters.com. It's a free envelope template for, duh, making your own envelopes. I just 'ordered' mine and printed the template. Can't wait to try it out. I love crafty stuff!
http://kelleighratzlaff.com/2009/12/free-envelope-template-and-a-tutorial/
Well, it's Friday, and in my youth I LOVED this day. I was born on a Friday, perhaps a contributing factor. Who knows. Anyway, now that I'm grown up, Friday's just aren't what they used to be. It's just another day. Currently I am listening to my children, who are holed up in the bathroom, singing and saying funny things to each other as they play baby. Cute, but secretly I am just glad that they aren't standing next to me wanting every last bit of my attention.
Today is a rather dreary day as well. Although the temperatures have improved here, low 30s, the sun is shrouded by heavy clouds, making it feel quite cold again. I am looking forward to Saturday, when the temps are expected to rise to close to 40 degrees. I'd like to say that maybe I'll go running outside, but I doubt that will happen. I hate to run. However, since I am training for a triathlon, it's something I need to try and master. This morning I ran (and walked) 2 miles, but had to stop. You see, to make matters worse, I have plantar fascitis in one foot. So now, for the subsequent hours that I have been home, my foot is killing me! I just don't know how to remedy this. I've tried resting it. That works for the pain, but not for running. A shoe insert. Have one. Not so much help and it was even suggested by my doctor. So, instead, I am sitting around at the computer, looking at dishes that need to be put away and having my leg 'pretend licked' by my 6 yr old, because now she is a kitten.
Before I head off to put away the dishes, throw laundry into the dryer, and empty the water out of my 3 yr old's baby dolls (they were taking a bath), I will share a cool project with you that I found via www.econobusters.com. It's a free envelope template for, duh, making your own envelopes. I just 'ordered' mine and printed the template. Can't wait to try it out. I love crafty stuff!
http://kelleighratzlaff.com/2009/12/free-envelope-template-and-a-tutorial/
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Good morning to myself! Oh, and anyone that might be reading. ;) Well, it is a Wednesday and it is 26 degrees (F) outside this morning at 8:30am. That might sound cold to many, but it is like a heat wave here. The expected high is 36 degrees. I can't wait! My 6 yr old is out playing in the snow with her snow pants over her pjs. Don't you love how kids can do that? Now, me, I don't like to go out in sweat pants. Shows too many fats rolls. Speaking of fat rolls, I have been doing my darnedest to get rid of them, but they seem to love me too much. This morning at my spin class workout the instructor, who once ran for 24 straight hours (for fun), is giving us a really good and painful workout. Have you ever tried to ride your bike with your upper body frozen? If not, you should try it. This same instructor is readying himself to head to Illinois in a couple of months to run 100 miles, (outdoors) once again, for fun. I admire him in a weird sort of way.
I guess that brings me to my exercising quest. I decided several months ago that I needed to get in shape. Well, I decide that everyday, but it never happens, let's be honest here. I don't want my girls to grow up fat or get the idea that they don't need to exercise. So the logical conclusion here is to enter a triathlon, right? Try not to snicker now, especially if you've met me. So last October I joined the YMCA and their triathlon class. It's been tough; but I have learned to swim pretty well, though not fast, and have definitely upped my cycling endurance. I am toying with the idea of entering my first triathlon at the end of the month. A short, indoor one. I'll keep you posted on that.
I guess that brings me to my exercising quest. I decided several months ago that I needed to get in shape. Well, I decide that everyday, but it never happens, let's be honest here. I don't want my girls to grow up fat or get the idea that they don't need to exercise. So the logical conclusion here is to enter a triathlon, right? Try not to snicker now, especially if you've met me. So last October I joined the YMCA and their triathlon class. It's been tough; but I have learned to swim pretty well, though not fast, and have definitely upped my cycling endurance. I am toying with the idea of entering my first triathlon at the end of the month. A short, indoor one. I'll keep you posted on that.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Photo freebies
For those of you into free stuff, here is the first of my freebies. ArtsCow.com is offering 1200 free prints. Yes, FREE! You do need to pay shipping, but still quite a deal. This is only good for new subscribers, and be sure to read all of their policies. If you're already a member, how about free shipping on an order of $30 or more? Just enter in the code freeshipping30, this expires on January 18th.
http://www.artscow.com/
http://www.artscow.com/
How often DOES one post comments?/Homemade Yogurt & Granola
So, how often does one post comments on their blog? You know, I should really go read some blogs. I've always been lazy in the research department. Funny coming from a former scientist... I was just thinking how mesmerizing this Curious George DVD is and it made me want to get up and type something.
I was thinking I'd share my latest cooking obsession with you: Homemade Yogurt. So easy and so delicious. When I became a Mom I had grand thoughts of eating healthy and only MAKING the best for my kids. Well, that thought never really materialized. My 6 yr old's fave foods include the local Chinese buffet and Mac-n-Cheese from the box. Don't even TRY to get her to eat mac-n-cheese that I made. And I'm a good cook! But, I digress.
So, back to the yogurt. Last winter, I thought, how hard could it be? I have a bakery in my home (yet another post), yogurt should be easy; and it is! First, if you're a yogurt fan I think you'll really like this. Second, if you're not a yogurt fan, you should try this. It's not like the commercial store bought containers. So here's what you do:
Homemade Yogurt:
You will need a crockpot, milk, and some PLAIN Dannon or Stoneybrook Farms yogurt. I have made this in my large (regular size) crockpot, but I prefer the small 2 qt one. For the 2 qt crockpot, pour 4 cups of milk in. I use skim milk because that's what we drink and always have on hand, and it wouldn't be nearly as handy and easy to make if I had to run to the store. I hear that whole milk is easier for beginners, but I have never had a problem with the skim milk. If you'd like, you can add some powdered milk (you'll have to play with the amount) to your 4 cups in the crockpot and that will help thicken it if you desire. Personally, I'd wait and make a batch and see how things turned out. So now turn your crockpot on low and leave for 3 hours. After 3 hours, turn off the crockpot and let it sit for 2 hours. Next, remove 1-2 cups of warm milk and mix it with a 1/2 cup of the plain yogurt. At this point, if you'd like to try vanilla yogurt, add a tablespoon or so of vanilla. You can also add 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar, or you can make perfectly plain yogurt and just add fruit and or honey when you're ready to eat it. After whisking the milk, yogurt starter, vanilla and sugar, pour back into the crockpot and whisk all together. Turn crockpot on low again for about 30 mins. Then turn off and unplug the crockpot. Wrap it thoroughly with towels. You want to insulate it and keep as much warmth in as possible. Now let it sit on the counter for 8-12 hours. You can eat it right away, or put it in the fridge first. You will notice that quite a bit of liquid forms after being in the fridge. If you want to get fancy, you can strain this through cheesecloth. I just scoop off the excess liquid. I do it each time I take a serving out to eat. It doesn't hurt anything, it just makes it not as firm. Be sure to save about a half cup of this so you can make your next batch.
So, I am sure you noticed that this takes awhile. If you're not home during the day like me, you can speed things up by scalding the milk on the stove; let it cool, then add the yogurt starter, vanilla, and sugar. At this point you can pour into your crockpot and follow the rest of the directions. That will eliminate the first 5 hours.
To top this off, you really need to serve your yogurt with the Homemade Granola you made while you were waiting. Another super simple delicious recipe.
Easy Granola:
2 cups whole oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 Tbs brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbs real maple syrup
1 Tbs water
3 Tbs oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 275F. Spray a non-stick metal pan (aka cookie sheet with edges) with cooking spray.
Mix dry ingredients and set aside.
In a saucepan, simmer honey, syrup, oil, and water. Turn off heat and add the vanilla. Mix well. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Press into the pan. Use the bottom of a glass, sprayed with cooking spray, to press the granola down. This makes it stick better and give you larger pieces. Bake 30-45 mins, until golden brown. Let cool and then break apart and eat!
Okay, now I expect you (Holly-since I know you read the first two posts) to go try this. Enjoy!
I was thinking I'd share my latest cooking obsession with you: Homemade Yogurt. So easy and so delicious. When I became a Mom I had grand thoughts of eating healthy and only MAKING the best for my kids. Well, that thought never really materialized. My 6 yr old's fave foods include the local Chinese buffet and Mac-n-Cheese from the box. Don't even TRY to get her to eat mac-n-cheese that I made. And I'm a good cook! But, I digress.
So, back to the yogurt. Last winter, I thought, how hard could it be? I have a bakery in my home (yet another post), yogurt should be easy; and it is! First, if you're a yogurt fan I think you'll really like this. Second, if you're not a yogurt fan, you should try this. It's not like the commercial store bought containers. So here's what you do:
Homemade Yogurt:
You will need a crockpot, milk, and some PLAIN Dannon or Stoneybrook Farms yogurt. I have made this in my large (regular size) crockpot, but I prefer the small 2 qt one. For the 2 qt crockpot, pour 4 cups of milk in. I use skim milk because that's what we drink and always have on hand, and it wouldn't be nearly as handy and easy to make if I had to run to the store. I hear that whole milk is easier for beginners, but I have never had a problem with the skim milk. If you'd like, you can add some powdered milk (you'll have to play with the amount) to your 4 cups in the crockpot and that will help thicken it if you desire. Personally, I'd wait and make a batch and see how things turned out. So now turn your crockpot on low and leave for 3 hours. After 3 hours, turn off the crockpot and let it sit for 2 hours. Next, remove 1-2 cups of warm milk and mix it with a 1/2 cup of the plain yogurt. At this point, if you'd like to try vanilla yogurt, add a tablespoon or so of vanilla. You can also add 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar, or you can make perfectly plain yogurt and just add fruit and or honey when you're ready to eat it. After whisking the milk, yogurt starter, vanilla and sugar, pour back into the crockpot and whisk all together. Turn crockpot on low again for about 30 mins. Then turn off and unplug the crockpot. Wrap it thoroughly with towels. You want to insulate it and keep as much warmth in as possible. Now let it sit on the counter for 8-12 hours. You can eat it right away, or put it in the fridge first. You will notice that quite a bit of liquid forms after being in the fridge. If you want to get fancy, you can strain this through cheesecloth. I just scoop off the excess liquid. I do it each time I take a serving out to eat. It doesn't hurt anything, it just makes it not as firm. Be sure to save about a half cup of this so you can make your next batch.
So, I am sure you noticed that this takes awhile. If you're not home during the day like me, you can speed things up by scalding the milk on the stove; let it cool, then add the yogurt starter, vanilla, and sugar. At this point you can pour into your crockpot and follow the rest of the directions. That will eliminate the first 5 hours.
To top this off, you really need to serve your yogurt with the Homemade Granola you made while you were waiting. Another super simple delicious recipe.
Easy Granola:
2 cups whole oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 Tbs brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbs real maple syrup
1 Tbs water
3 Tbs oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 275F. Spray a non-stick metal pan (aka cookie sheet with edges) with cooking spray.
Mix dry ingredients and set aside.
In a saucepan, simmer honey, syrup, oil, and water. Turn off heat and add the vanilla. Mix well. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Press into the pan. Use the bottom of a glass, sprayed with cooking spray, to press the granola down. This makes it stick better and give you larger pieces. Bake 30-45 mins, until golden brown. Let cool and then break apart and eat!
Okay, now I expect you (Holly-since I know you read the first two posts) to go try this. Enjoy!
So much to learn.
Hmmm, it is so clearly obvious that I have much to learn grasshopper... First I viewed my blog and the nice, LONG entry I wrote wasn't there. Well, Hell, I'm not going to type it again! Ah, hem, I just didn't publish it. I always save, so there it was. The formatting is funky too; and I guess I don't have to type in the date. Apparently blogger.com does that for me! Look at that. I am always learning.
My first day as a Blogger...
Tuesday, January 12, 2009
Well, I imagine that I am the only person reading this. Not only because I just created it, but, really, is there anyone that actually wants to read one more blog? I don't know. I actually don't read blogs. That doesn't seem right does it? So, I'm truly winging this, but, since my kids don't listen half the time and my husband is always on the computer, the fish don't care, and the cat can't talk, this is it.
I figure; I have a lot of things to say, so why not put them out there on the web? Maybe some day, someone will be interested. Then you and I can be Facebook friends.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Jena and I'm a soon to be 38 yr old Mom to two girls, 3 and 6. I live in Iowa, in the unbelievably, freakishly cold winters, and stinkin' hot summers (that makes you want to live here, doesn't it?). As mentioned previously, it is January 12th and we have already gotten our entire winter snowfall this year (not to mention, but I will, that it's been the coldest December since 1884). Now, does that mean it will not snow any more until spring? Of course not. In fact, it was snowing this morning, when I dragged myself out of the house at 5am to go swimming, but that is another story. So why do I do this? I mean, why do I live here, in the middle of Iowa? Well, I guess because, in all practicality, I stay at home with my kids, and this is where my husband works. He's an Iowa boy, though my cross country lives have swayed him. Maybe there's a move in my future sooner than I think?
Well, I imagine that I am the only person reading this. Not only because I just created it, but, really, is there anyone that actually wants to read one more blog? I don't know. I actually don't read blogs. That doesn't seem right does it? So, I'm truly winging this, but, since my kids don't listen half the time and my husband is always on the computer, the fish don't care, and the cat can't talk, this is it.
I figure; I have a lot of things to say, so why not put them out there on the web? Maybe some day, someone will be interested. Then you and I can be Facebook friends.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Jena and I'm a soon to be 38 yr old Mom to two girls, 3 and 6. I live in Iowa, in the unbelievably, freakishly cold winters, and stinkin' hot summers (that makes you want to live here, doesn't it?). As mentioned previously, it is January 12th and we have already gotten our entire winter snowfall this year (not to mention, but I will, that it's been the coldest December since 1884). Now, does that mean it will not snow any more until spring? Of course not. In fact, it was snowing this morning, when I dragged myself out of the house at 5am to go swimming, but that is another story. So why do I do this? I mean, why do I live here, in the middle of Iowa? Well, I guess because, in all practicality, I stay at home with my kids, and this is where my husband works. He's an Iowa boy, though my cross country lives have swayed him. Maybe there's a move in my future sooner than I think?
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