Friday, January 31, 2014

Year of the Horse: Day 14 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I am thankful for the Lunar New Year!

Whether or not you believe or celebrate it, the point is you can.
I love learning about new cultures and customs every day.
I am so happy that things like this are kept alive and are celebrated.

As much as we are in America, we are so much the melting pot.
The person next to you may be culturally or ethnically something that you can not see.
They may be adopted into a family or have people they consider family that are different than them, or different than you expect them to be. 

Here is one meaning about the Year of the Horse.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!
( <-- Siestas)  (Excedrin -->)






Super Bowl Kid Approved Easy Chili




So, whether you are rooting for the Denver Broncos or the Seattle Seahawks for the win, many will be tuned in Sunday February 2, 2014, not only for the outcome of Groundhog's Day, or for Puppy Bowl X, but of course for the Super Bowl XLVIII!!!

We made Super Bowl Beef Chorizo & Black Bean Spicy Chili for the adults and this for the kids.
It makes every one happy in the family.
You know, the only who loves spicy foods and those that don't.
Can you guess which kid of my loves chorizo? Try...

My oldest son is the driving force for us to celebrate the Super Bowl. Other wise, we would not put as much effort in it. He watches the scores, not just of the teams he roots for, but for the teams across the country.

I let the kids completely steer the wheel in making their chili. They had to approve the ingredients, and make it. The only part I did was chopping the carrots. That and make sure the kitchen did not become a hot mess.

Letting them cook is such a powerful thing and this was such an easy way to help them learn to use a crock pot. They used things they learned in school with things they call 'every day.' No better way!

Ingredients:
3 cups dark red kidney beans
3 chopped raw carrots
1 28 oz can tomato puree
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 tbsp minced garlic
dash salt

Directions:
1. Chop the carrots and have the kids put in the crock pot
2.  Measure the kidney beans and have the kids put it in the crock pot
3. Have the kids measure the spaghetti sauce and put that in the crock pot
4. Open and add the rest of the ingredients
5.  Cook in crockpot on low for 6 hours

Get your Super Bowl on!

Super Bowl Beef Chorizo & Black Bean Spicy Chili



So, whether you are rooting for the Denver Broncos or the Seattle Seahawks for the win, many will be tuned in Sunday February 2, 2014, not only for the outcome of Groundhog's Day, or for Puppy Bowl X, but of course for the Super Bowl XLVIII!!!

So, if course, tradition calls for food. Lots of it.
We made this chili for the adults and Super Bowl Kid Approved Easy Chili for the kids (which is also a vegetarian version) of what we are making. A way to make everyone happy!

I have read that on this day alone, people around the world eat millions of chicken wings, orders for pizza goes up 36%, and the day of and after are the days that people eat the most (not on a holiday). I am sure someone out there is trying to make Super Bowl a holiday and some day they may win. 

Until, many join on this Sunday, hold parties, go to bars, whatever they have to do to watch this game.

In my house, the moving force is my son. Yep, your read that right!
My 7 year old has been watching the scores all season long and it is fair to say that football and baseball are his two favourite sports. He relishes on them and could watch them forever, I am sure.

So in honour of my son, even if just the few of us, we will have a little something something for the super bowl. I am making a spicy chili for my husband and I (and any kids daring to try- mine might) and then we are making chili for the kids. 

Hope everyone has fun watching the Super Bowl! 


Ingredients:
10 oz Beef Chorizo
3 1/2 cups Cooked Black Beans
1 Cup Dark Red Kidney Beans
3- 15 oz cans Tomato Sauce
1 long green pepper chopped
3 raw carrots chopped
28 oz can Italian Style Tomatoes
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
1/2 Cup Chardonnay
dash of salt

Directions:
1. Chop the carrots and the green spicy pepper of choice and just drop into the crock pot
2. Open all the other ingredients, combine, and stir
3. Cook on low in your slow cooker  for 6-8 hours.

Good luck to both teams!!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Siestas: Day 13 (Thankfulness Project 365)


I am thankful today for siestas!
You know, when you do those all nighters and it catches up to you.

I have an uncle who can sleep standing up and with his eyes open. And he used to do it during the day all the time, so I think he pulled all nighters. Haha. But seriously, it was interesting. We did not know sometimes when he was staring in outer space or when he was asleep. We would try to walk by and try to test if he was awake or just trying to freak us out. 

But I recently pulled an all nighter to get something much needed done. 
What is an all nighter?
An all nighter is where you stay up for the majority of the night or all night (literally no sleep) to get something done. 

I love siestas because not only are they helpful when you do an all nighter, but also because when you have that mid day lull, it helps. Sometimes even when I have not done all nighters, I take some no brain time, even if awake, so I can just relax my body and mind during the day. Now, with my son sitting at the table screaming right now, which happens frequently- the screaming, that time is very limited.

Siestas are naps in the afternoon. 
There are countries where it is the tradition and there are studies showing productivity goes up when you take a siesta. So why not?

When I can, I try to take a siesta.
Try it sometime!

Seriously- it can change your outlook on your entire day!

(<-- Day 12: All Nighters!) (Year of the Horse-->)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

All Nighters: Day 12 (Thankfulness Project)


I am thankful for all nighters (once in a while).
I know- I am crazy, right?
But think about it.

If you are a parent, what time do you have? Especially if you are like me and homeschool. I had to submit all their work for the past semester (which is what you have to do depending upon your county/school district/program). I did not plan to be up until 4:30 am, but I was. 

In the midst of life going on, I realised one thing. An all nighter was going to be the way to go.
There are times when it is really called for. 
Planning a morning birthday surprise, getting the house clean after kids all day, your work, getting all the paper work dealt with for one thing. Sometimes it has to happen.

I mean, really, I can't spend that amount of time even divided in my day without spending a week or two (or more) because I have kids home. Which, I am not complaining about, but it does make you realise that each moment is super precious.

I have honestly had a bad habit, I realised after this, of putting things off because I was justifiably tired or worn out or sick or just did not have time because I was dirt busy. So, another commitment to myself is scanning all their work at the end of the day and emailing things in better blocks. Live and learn. 

So here is to learning, the all nighter, and getting it done!

(<-- Day 11: Ice Cream!) (Day 13: Siestas!-->)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Ice Cream: Day 11 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I am thankful for ice cream.
I had two bowls today. 
It was that kind of day.  Oh yea. 
It was a hard day.
The kids screaming and fighting, it super cold outside, and I had such a bad headache. 

So I went to ice cream. 
I know, bad.
Especially because it was not homemade. 
It was the big tub you buy, the cheapest one.
But it  is so so good.
And really, it is probably the most processed thing I eat. 

So all the mums out there that have a bad day, it is ok in my book for you to need that bowl, even in the early afternoon! 



Monday, January 27, 2014

Food: Day 10 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I am thankful for food!

There is nothing like being sick and not being able to eat to appreciate that first bite that you can keep down afterwards. 

I have to admit that I ate though I should not have- what? The soyrizo was calling my name!
I paid the price but now I am feeling better- ok a little better. 
So after a long nap and only have eaten a banana I forced myself to have a shake for lunch. 
It really helped and now my appetite is back up.

So if you are sick, I feel you. 
Tis the time of year. Oh yay...not.
If you need to, for energy, please eat something small.
You may feel better and I hope you do.

Irregardless, food is something we sometimes are thankful for but not everyone is. 
The amazing thing I have taught my kids that there are so many that do not have the same. I have been one of those personally who have gone hungry not by choice several times in my life. I am sure many people have. Although we can not afford to eat like most families do, I am thankful for everything I am able to get for my families to feed their bellies. And it is nice because we get to learn new recipes, get creative, and sometimes it is frustrating. However, remembering that we are not alone is great. 

I was very proud of my son who raised over 25 pounds of food for the Capital Area Food Bank in our area. He walked around the neighborhoods, knocked on doors, and collected the food. He then donated them and what an amazing thing it is, how much a difference a 7 year old can make. He made a difference, learned a lesson, and appreciates his food well. (Very well, he eats so much!)

Remembering and appreciating the small things makes that food taste so much better.




Sunday, January 26, 2014

Grammy's: Day 9 (Thankfulness Project)



Today I am thankful for the Grammy's!
I was able to watch shows of many different artists.
The amazing performance where Pink showed her skills.
The amazing performance with Stevie Wonder, Pharell, and more.
I personally loved Katy Perry.

And Queen Latifah ordaining a ton of weddings was awesome.
How cool would it be to have your wedding at the Grammy's?!

Why am I thankful for this today?
I was not feeling good today.
I was sick and bed ridden and it was a great mood booster to be able to watch the Grammy's.
While people may have their opinions about performances or about who won what award, at the end of the day, they are all artists and they obviously know their craft.

So simply put, watching an awards show and those performances- that was awesome.
Thank you for the small things.
Maybe I will come back and edit what I thought and all but last night was about resting and enjoying the show.

Now back to resting.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Detoxing Bath: Day 8 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I am thankful for detox baths. 
Weird, I know.
But detox baths are great. 

They draw out fevers, draw out toxins and helps balance your body.

Today, I have spent much to all of my day on the couch, sleeping, resting, eating, watching t.v. All because I have a fever that won't go away. The pounding headache and feeling bleh. 

You would think being warm or over warm when it is below freezing weather outside would be a good thing. Nope. 

I even joked that I wanted to go lay outside in the snow to help my fever, only to realise that getting hypothermia stops that. So I had ice cream instead which I was craving to help cool my body down.
It worked but I was still hot and it was getting unbearable.

So, I got into a detox bath. Just a simple one.
Mine was this:


So easy to do, laid in it for about 30 minutes which was more than enough for me.
In fact, if you are a mum, you know that a 30 minute bath may mean that the clothes are out of the drawers and the kids have put them all over the floor. Or they decided the wall was a great canvas for their newest artwork. Or that they decided to make a mess in the kitchen trying to make their own homemade dish of who-knows-what. 

Either way, you are a mum and it's a treat. But this is just to try to feel better. So you can easily justify turning on a movie for them so you can relax and pamper yourself. You are allowed- I give you permission. 

It started feeling cold to me, but my baby was desperate to get in and he was saying "warm."
So that told me I was definitely still not feeling so good. 

Although, the reason I am thankful for it, it that even when you are sick, or especially when, it helps your body feel like itself a little bit more. 

Detox bathes are so great for your body. I used to do them more, but I think I will get back into doing them just so I can try to avoid getting sick again.

A big key to do them though is to not over do. Maybe once every week or two may be good. 
The biggest thing, I will try to drink more water. And if you detox with a bath, you need to do the same! NO EXCEPTIONS! I can be bad at drinking water and I am telling you, it's just a bad idea. 

Here are some other related posts you may like!

Here is to detoxing!


Friday, January 24, 2014

National Compliment Day: Day 7 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I learned from the Today Show that it is National Compliment Day.
National Compliment Day was started in 1998 by a woman named Debbie Hoffman and Kathy Chamberlin from New Hampshire! How cool is that? I think it is a great that this is a National Day. A day to compliment at least 5 people that around you. Even a co worker.
The best is to compliment someone you love, someone you are struggling with, someone you do not know even. Why, because it makes you feel better and gives someone a special lift in their day.

I know compliments can be the thing that lifts my spirits. The most important thing is that it is genuine. I don't want to give or receive half cocked compliments because then they are truly not compliments. The most important thing is to be honest from the heart. If you are honest with yourself and the other person, a compliment can only do good to the relationship, no matter how good or bad that relationship is. Sometimes the difference is that in relationships that people take for granted what and who they have in their lives and it becomes mundane to say I love you or to say I appreciate that you cooked for me.

What does a compliment look like? 
Oh, clearly it is as soon as you walk in the door and balloons and confetti fall and someone falls to your knees and says "you are the most amazing human being that ever did live and walk through that door", right? Bahahaha- not! 

A compliment is a true ring of happiness, truth or feeling you extend to the person you give the compliment to. It can be the simplest things that are the best to compliment someone on. 
You have a beautiful smile today! You are looking great today! Thank you for helping with the dishes today. Thanks for the feedback on the paper! Little things like that really can make a difference. 

Be it true, not fake! That is the number one rule to a compliment!

So call that person today. 
So text that person today.
So Facebook Message that person today.
So send a card or letter in the mail today.
So e-mail that person today.
So send an E-card via:

Ok, you get the idea. 
So, are you doing it?







Thursday, January 23, 2014

Hugs: Day 6 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Today I am thankful for hugs.
When I get them, they are beautiful.
Especially when they come from the six arms that I gave life to.

They can take those hard things in your life and soften the blow.
They can make you smile.
They make you remember what is most important.

Sometimes, they give you hugs to as a plea for other things. Mine does.
He wants to be picked up so he will hug me.
Or he wants a cookie. Ha ha! We know three year olds do that!
Sometimes, it can be too much, when they are begging for sweets, but almost never do I reject a hug from my babies.

Do not underestimate the power of a hug. 
They say that a hug for 20 seconds can have profound affects on stress levels as it releases oxytocin.

20 seconds can make you happier!
 How little time is that?

We spend so much time on stress, on little things, and worry whether the bus will be faster than the train. So 20 seconds is nothing in compare to that.

We have become a nation of keeping to our selves.
What happened to be a nation of brotherly and sisterly love?
Instead of worrying about who is sitting next to you on the bus, talk to them. Say hi. Smile.
You talking to them could be a 'spoken' hug.

Hugs, while mostly thought to be wrapping arms around each other and holding each other, while happy or crying, in good times or bad is not the only way to give a hug.
They are many ways to give hugs.

I am so tempted to join the "Free Hugs Campaign!"
If only we loved others in simple ways can we change the world profoundly!

I would take hugs from friends, family, and my three babies any day.

Get and give hugs! 


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Meeting New People: Day 5 (Thankfulness Project 365)


I am thankful for meeting someone new.

Today, I met someone when we (the kids and I) helped them.
We were shoveling the snow from their drive way.
It was great because my daughter met another friend.
I met someone with whom we might become friends.
How awesome is that?

Being able to meet new people is something we all can do.
We just forget that, all the time. 

You know the whole idea of give a person a smile?
You know the smile that helps prevent suicide?
Yes, that smile. The smile that gives to others.
It gives a sunshine that is hard to come by these days.
Why? We have become a nation so to ourselves, to protect ourselves.
We have been taught to fear things we should not.
Give the next person a smile- truly. 
It may be the next thing that gives right back to you.

Sometimes we forget in the thick of things to be open to new experiences.
Having the ability to have new adventures can open doors.
Small doors.
Big doors.
Doors with a resolution at the end.
Doors with endless possibilities at the other side.

Which door will you open?

(<-- Day 4 Science!) (Day 6: Hugs! -->)

Science: Day 4 (Thankfulness Project 365)


I have spent a lot of time today doing science.
Measuring snow.
Staying inside and keeping warm when not measuring snow.
Every hour we have gone out measuring snow and writing it down.

I am so happy for science. Being able to apply fun science to every day life.

I realised, I just love science.

Of course, looking at weather maps, and measuring snow is part of that.
But I am talking more than that. 

Making a volcano in the back yard with my kids.
Mixing oil and water. 

Turning on the shower on hot to steam the windows and then open the window when hot and see how long it takes to make the mirror de-steam. 

Looking at the stars and watching the maps of stars.
Measuring things, testing theories.

Making a bouncy ball out of a raw egg.
Making silly puddy.
Mixing ingredients just to see what comes out.

Doing every day science in the daily things we do!

I am thankful for science- for where would we be without it? 

You, yes you, go get your science on!



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Snow Perfect Science Project!


A perfect Science Experiment!

I will keep my blog abreast of snow totals in our yard, NW DC, close to both Silver Spring, MD and Takoma Park MD.

Current: 8",  16 degrees

Those pictures above are from when we had the snow storm that gave us 4" on 2 January 2014!
Can't wait to document what we get! I will post pictures as soon as I can get them downloaded.
Yesterday, for my Thankfulness Project 365, day 3, I was thankful for snow!
And boy, is it snowing! Yay!

I can not tell a lie- I am jumping up and down with glee. Yes, I am like a little kid on Christmas morning. I am so happy for this snow. And it is like birthday snow for me since it gave me an extra weekend day off for my birthday weekend, so what is not to love?

Right now, we are under a winter storm warning

What better way to spend a snow day than to watch radar for snow, hope for more of it, and measure it? Woot! I see snowballs and fun in our future!

This is suppose to be the biggest snowfall for DC area in three years!
So no matter way to document it with my kids, and for you than to measure it and perform science experiments once the snow comes down harder!

Adults- join in on the fun too. We know federal offices are closed!

You can follow up updates from the Capital Weather Gang (Washington Post).

Snow potential from different sources:
Accuweather- 6" to 12"
Weather.com 5"-8"
Washington Post 5" to 10"
NBC Washington 4" to 7"/7" to 10"

"Jason Demers" (Washington Post commentee) even has Live Feed of the snow storm in their yard on Ustream TV!

Here is in our back yard::

Morning:
9am- temps dropping, started 37 degrees this morning
930-10am- Snow starts! 
10am-noon- Light Snow
Noon--- 1" measured snow in our yard! (+1.0")

Afternoon:
Noon--- 1" measured snow in our yard! (+1.0")
some surfaces are iced, be careful!
1230pm: Snow steadily falling!
1pm- 2" measured snow in our yard!! (+1.0"/1 hour)
2pm: 2.75" measured snow in our yard! (+.75"/1 hour)
some parts measuring lower or more slightly depending
Snow slowly falling, sometimes steadily
currently 29 degrees real feel 21
3pm: 3.85" to 4" measured snow in our yard (+1.15" to 1.25"/1 hour)
Snow has been steadily falling
currently 25 degrees real feel 14
4pm- 4" to 5" measured in our yard depending on location (+.25-1"/1 hour)
Snow has been waning but steady.
currently 22 degrees real feel 12
5pm- 5" measured all across the board (+.5" avg/hour)
Snow waning or steady, alternating
5" is the average measurement, although some measuring more
currently 21 degrees, real feel 11

Evening:
6pm- 5.5" to 6" measured (+.5-1"/hour)
Snow teetering back and forth
snow is blowing away, so we may be losing in the measuring
currently 21 degrees, real feel 9
7pm- 6.5" (+.5"/hour)
Snow drifts not measured
currently 20, real feel is 9
8pm- 7" (+.5/hour)
Snow teetering back and forth
currently 19 degrees, real feel 8
9pm- 8" (+1"/hour)
Snow slowing down
Dulles airport measures 7.1"
currently 20 degrees, real feel 10
10pm- 8" (+0")
Snow has stopped, suppose to pick up
Storm slowing down
currently 16 degrees, real feel 3


....more to come!!! 
:)




Monday, January 20, 2014

Snow: Day 3 (Thankfulness Project 365)


So I have an admission to make.
I L.O.V.E. the weather. 
I relish on putting together a 'live puzzle' that moves and flows with the Earth and us.
How amazing are the tools today that we can see weather patterns so many days in advance?

I remember this last summer, watching patterns of weather, tropical waves, coming off the coast of Africa and into the Atlantic ocean as they tried to make their ways to us. Unfortunately the patterns lined up so that the jet stream/pressure line up pushed them right back out to sea.
I remember based on this, I told my husband we are going to have a more interesting winter. 

So just say the words, jet stream, pressure changes, barometer changes, snow, hurricane, earthquake, thunderstorm, derecho, blizzard, any weather word and you have me roped in.

Sometimes I can, no joke, feel the weather coming ahead, way ahead, of it's main character.

This time, I have felt the weather change even though it was 50 degrees outside today. I could feel it, (the pressure changes) in my joints. Tomorrow night, we will jump down to 8 degrees with real feel below zero. Well, I may just update this post as the day goes on with snow totals.
If you are in the mid-atlantic or on the Eastern seaboard and get snow, let me know what you get!

Happy extended weekend for those kids who get school off tomorrow, and adults who get work off!

The Perfect Snow Science Project post will keep you updated with what is going on for our snow levels.

 Go ride a sled or something!

( <-- Day 2: Restoration!) (Day 4: Science! -->)

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Restoration: Day 2 (Thankfulness Project 365)



Thankfulness Project 365 is a project I am working on in order to show thanks regardless of the day or time. This is going to be hard but worth it. 

Today, I am thankful for a time of rest once in a while.

I am the type of person who can get the path running and be energized by it.
But sometimes I need to just breathe. 
Stop and smell the roses.

Some people take a day of rest. 
I know some people who do it for self restoration.
Others take the sabbath for religious reasons.
Whatever your reaons to take a day off; it is yours. And the tradition stems way back to a time in history, when they did not have technology, books, 3 jobs, etc. 
So, if you can, do. Restore you.

Some people take an hour or two of rest each evening.
You know, watching American Idol or Blacklist.
Or reading a book before going to bed.
Slipping in the bath tub for a good few minutes.
Writing this blog.
Whatever that time is, take time to rest.

I am thankful to be able to do something each day but I urge both you and I to fully give ourselves to rest within doing those things. Singular doing- not multi tasking.

Resting is Rest-orative! 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Happy Birthday: Day 1 (Thankfulness Project 365)


Happy Birthday to Me, Happy birthday to Me
Happy Birthday to Me (Via Bella)
Happy Birthday to Me!
(And many more!)

So, today I celebrate my birthday.
To celebrate my birthday, I am starting my own project. 
A thankfulness project. 
Not just for Thanksgiving, no. For me.

I came up with this because this is a big year for me for many personal reasons.
I wanted to mark this year as a time of beginning changes in my own life, to be happier, regardless of what is going on around me.
To become happy about who I am and where I am going in my life.
To be happy gives you many more possibilities than does being sad. 

I realise that I have one more year until I hit the big 3-0. (holy moly!)
The year everyone dreads as you close the door not only on your teens years, but also on the years of college and young adulthood.
Whether you have a job, a spouse, kids, a secret plan to take over the world, you secretly re-evaluate everything around this time. Maybe in small ways, maybe in big ways.
You (and I) are about to learn so much about me. 
Little things, fun things, big things. 

For me, I married and then had kids while in college. 
I moved with my husband for him to finish his degree.
I moved with my husband for his internship.
I am sitting here now, trying to look forward. 

I have had so many struggles in my life, some which will never be suited for being published here, but I am thankful for my life. I have become a stronger woman because of my life. 
I have learned to love, forgive, and give because of my life.

Beginning on a journey to self discovery, I leave with this:

a simple thank you letter to my belated biological mother:

Saturday, January 11, 2014

New Year, New Savings- Couponing

For the new year, I am hoping to start couponing. No, not extreme couponing, not yet.
With a family a 5 and living in the nation's capital, we really need to save everything we can. And I only plan on doing savings on things I actually need and will use. 

I am going to take the MOST important step first and realise start small.
AND have a clean house.

What does a clean house have to do with couponing, you ask?
Well I figure, I can not possibility organise couponing and the products brought in if I can not start be making sure I have the space for it.

Living in a high rent area you don't have a lot of space in the house. Period. So space is GOLDEN!
And I DO NOT plan to extreme coupon and fill my house- but just enough that I save on the things I ACTUALLY NEED!

I am going to start one room at a time- and for me that is hard. 
I get distracted very easily...ooh what's that? No, really...LOL

So what am I going to do? What is my standard?

Oh yes, clean everything. 
When you have clean space, you have a clear mind.

So on top of having a clean house, I am going to Freecycle anything we don't need. 
If you don't know about freecycle, it is AWESOME!

If my son's clothes don't fit and I have no friends that could use them,  or alternative uses for them, I freecycle them. I offer, someone responds and comes and picks it up from me. It saves them money, I know it will get use, and I don't have to question how long it will stay on a shelf at Goodwill. 

Then I will make designated spaces for things I will coupon, and not much space. But just enough. So for example, I will clear my shelves in the kitchen and organise it in such a way that we have some space left over to put the new items. 

So, let me go and I shall begin...
So here is to a new year and hopefully new savings!

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