Holistic Moms Network

I've decided to join and help start up by becoming a co-leader of the new Holistic Moms Network in Plymouth. It's the only one in our area and it starts in one week. Check out the website here if you're interested or know someone who might be interested in joining us.

The open house is Thursday, August 7th at 6:30PM at the Plymouth Library.

Our Zoo is Worth Keeping

The Detroit Zoo needs our help.

In 2006, the Zoo's lost public funding ceased when the City of Detroit turned responsibility of the Zoo over to the Detroit Zoological Society. Since then, it's been a struggle to replace that money in other ways.As you know, the Zoo has entertained, educated and thrilled every child in the tri-county area for generations. In fact, 85% of the Zoo's visitors live in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne counties - which is why the three counties have drafted a millage proposal to help our Zoo out. What's the cost? Not much. For the average home in the tri-county area, it's about $10 a year.

If you live in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne county please vote YES on August 5th to keep our zoo! Click here for more info or to request, dare I say a cool looking, yard sign.

Another Knock-off Creation!

Inspired by these bird artwork pieces at Pottery Barn kids I made the two 5x7 canvases for Sarah for her baby's nursery. I'm excited to make more if she wants!

Little Grown Up

Yes, he really is talking on the cell phone with a coffee cup in his hand (no there's no coffee in it, just like mom, it's water). Thanks Keri and Christian for the new cup!! Adam loves it!

My Latest Creation

I've gotten into this new thing where I copy paintings from pictures I like. This one came from a Pottery Barn catalog. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with myself I created this from a picture in a catalog that was only about 2"x3" in size (this final painting is 16"x20")! This one is going to my mom for her b-day and if she wants I can make her the second one in the series.

First Pick of the Season

Finally, after diligently watching the garden for weeks Adam was excited to pick the first cukes of the season. And I see a few tomatoes that will be ready in a few short days!

Currently Cooking

I got this recipe off the back of my yogurt container. It's REALLY yummy!

Chocolate Raspberry Frappe
serves 1

Into a blender add:
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
2T chocolate syrup
Mix until smooth and serve

Currently Cooking

I made this the other night and it was SOOO good. If you're bored with chicken this is a great way to prepare a simple chicken breast.

Crispy Parmigiano-Crusted Chicken on Summer Lemon Pasta serves 4

4 chicken breast cutlets
3 T EVOO, divided
3 egg whites, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups grated or shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1lb. spaghetti (I used Barilla Plus to add more protein)
2 bunches of scallions, thinly sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, grated
1 cup Italian parsley, chopped
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1-9oz. box (or can) quartered artichoke hearts, defrosted or drained
1 bunch baby spinach

Cook the pasta in salted water. Reserve approx. 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
Place a large skillet over medium heat with about 2T EVOO in it. Set up one dish with egg whites in it and another with about a cup of the cheese in it. Season the chicken with s&p then dip them first in the egg white and then in the grated cheese. Cook them in the hot pan until golden brown and cooked through. When finished reserve them to a plate while you cook the veggies.
In a large skillet set to medium-high heat add approx. 1T EVOO. Toss the scallions, garlic and parsley into the pan and cook until tender, about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest and juice, artichoke hearts, remaining grated cheese and your starchy pasta water. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 1 minute to heat everything through.
Toss drained pasta with veggies in the pan to heat up a bit before serving. Just before you're ready to serve toss spinach into the pan and it will wilt a little from the heat, no need to cook it through.
Serve sliced chicken over pasta/veggie mix.

Arrr, Matey!

We visited the Detroit Science Center today for Wacky Pirate Wednesday. Josh & Adam dressed up (Sarah & Daedra did not) like pirates. Apparently they were so darn cute that the marketing department for the science center wanted a photo of them. Their picture should come out pretty cute, mine, not so much. Above is me taking a picture while the guy is taking a picture of them. They've got their toughest pirate faces on. Adam is Mr. Fancypants Pirate and Josh is a manly swashbuckling Cpt. Jack Sparrow.

The Living Room Series

I'm Starting a new bible study called "No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern-day Idols" by Kelly Minter. And it includes recipes for meals so it's right up my alley!! If you want to join in just click here and order a workbook and let me know.

Another friend and I are doing this together. I'm going to blog some discussion questions and we'll also be getting together every once and a while and discussing in person.

Week One:

1. Based on Week One, discuss what a functional god is and how an idol has functioned for you. In other words, what made it work?

Mosquito Soap

I have yet to find a mosquito repellent that actually works and doesn't douse me in deet. Then I was at my local Better Health Store when my favorite sales lady was telling me about this mosquito soap. Holy cow is it AMAZING!!! The bar costs under $2 and smells awful in bar form but once you put it on the scent dissipates. I've used it and not got one bite and then I couldn't find it one night before one of B's softball games so I used my spray on repellent instead and got a ton of bites on my ankles and feet.

I highly recommend this product if, like me, you're usually a tasty dinner for your local mosquito population.