Sunday, November 3, 2013

Juice Detox

I like to detox from time to time when I start feeling sluggish. (or if I've had too much Halloween candy) We bought a juicer this past summer and I really like using it. You can also buy smoothie machines but I am not sure I want to choke down a thick, veggie smoothie yet.

Here is my favorite combination:

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A big plate of Kale.....

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....an apple, celery (about 4 stalks), 1 beet and baby carrots. I had barely any carrots left but I typically juice a big handful of these.

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You put these in the juicer. The apples and celery produce the most juice so put those in with kale and beets.

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You now have a nutrient packed juice that will help flush your body. I also make sure to drink lots and lots of water. Sometimes I do this once a day and other times I will do this for breakfast and lunch.
 


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Monday, October 28, 2013

Kids Halloween Party

This past Saturday I hosted a Halloween party for L and her friends. It was a lot of fun and I managed to pull it all together in a few days.

The party was from 1:30 - 4pm so I had some finger foods and cupcakes ready. I spent about an hour one afternoon printing out the food labels. I searched online for "old looking paper" and found a picture I liked. I copied it onto Word, sized it, copied it several times until I had about 6, and inserted text boxes to create the labels. I added a small picture with each one also. I printed these off and laminated them (so I can use them next year).

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I used a cookie cutter to make the cheese ghosts.
 
 
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 I used whole black olives and cheese cubes for the skewers. I meant to use mozzarella but only had cheddar on hand.
 
 
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I used Rice Krispy treats cut into various shapes for the zombie brains.
 
 
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I used a cookie cutter to makes ham/cheese and turkey/cheese sandwiches into coffins.


I had a Candy Guessing Game for the kids to do. I had three jars of candy and they had to write down their guess of how many were in there. This was a big hit! Next year I will have more jars.

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The weather was perfect so we spent most of the time outside. The kids jumped on our trampoline, laid in the hammock and enjoyed a game of Mummy Wrap. Each time had to use 3 entire rolls of toilet paper to roll up their friend. The winning team won small prizes.
 
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I had a craft table set up inside for Halloween necklace and bracelet making. Outside I had a pumpkin decorating station. On the table was glue, googly eyes, glitter and markers.
 
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I am glad I did not have things planned back to back because the kids spent a lot of time just playing outside and having fun in each others company. It was a very simple party but it was a lot of fun!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Soup recipe.....Yum!

I am so ready for some cooler weather so I can start cooking hearty meals again. Found this one today and it looks really good!

Plain Ol' Food: Beef, Barley, and Vegetable Soup

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Charlie, our Elf on the Shelf

Hands down, this is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I know not everyone loves the little face of the elf or the idea of creating places for him to hide but I thrive on this type of creativity. The look of joy and excitement on my daughters face is worth it every time!

Here is what Charlie did this year. He started out leaving poems with hints of where he can be found. After a couple of weeks, it was up to my daughter to search and find him without hints.


He announced his arrival by sitting on a wreath on my daughter's bedroom door.

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He left a note for her. That is indeed a hair you see taped with the note. 
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I have several more pictures but trying to get them upload is a big 'ole pain right now. I will update this post as soon as I can. I have way too much fun with this tradition!