Kate's Kitchen

Katy, Katie, and Kate

2012-01-17T07:33:00.003-07:00

When my Katie girl was a baby, I found What Katy Did. Of course I bought it not realizing the treasure it would be on many levels. In the spirit of Little Women and Anne of Greene Gables, Katy had many adventures. As each girl child in the family was able to sit through chapter books, I relived the adventures of Katy through their eyes. Oh, how I was and still am very much like Katy: bucking authority, head strong, and determined. Because of these attitudes, which I don't think are all bad, Katy's life was changed forever.

In one part of the book, Katy begins neglecting her appearance severely. Through a visit from a beloved cousin, Katy learns to let go of anger and use the talents and abilities she has to make life better. When my little Katie went to live with the angels, I was tempted to neglect my appearance and housekeeping. But the events in this little book gave me a sort of courage to carry on to the best of my ability and even to enlarge those abilities. When I became ill several years and struggled to find answers from my sick bed, Katy's lessons stuck with me.

Even though one of my favorite times of day is jammy time, when I put on my cozy wool socks, flannel gown, and alpaca sweater, it is important to get dressed every day. Even days when I am not well, I shower and dress in a simple A-line skirt, blouse or T, sweater or cardigan, and slippers. At the very least, running a brush through my hair, I don't look like a mess. Caring for my teeth so I don't have dragon breath or a cruddy smile is important. A pleasant expression is my only make-up but works wonders on the countenance. Even though I rarely see a soul except my own little family, I want to look my best for them and for my own well-being. I am worth it and so are they. I see it as an act of courtesy.

And then there is our home. Since I see it as an extension of me, I don't like to let dishes pile up and such. Even if I can't run the vacuum, I can see that it gets done. Even if I can't wash windows, I can see that it gets done. Even if I can't do the heavy work, I can see that it gets done. I learned a little secret during these years in bed. If we have good habits of order, the deep cleaning stuff never needs to be done. My home remained lovely in spite of my experiences. This seed for this attitude was planted decades ago, when I found What Katy Did.

Katy continues to teach me, as I attempt to only discuss things in a positive manner and find the silver lining.I suppose that is why I love children's classic literature so much. It's not full of silly spells and such. Instead real children experience real adventures and learn real lessons. For the most part, family and home and goodness and joy are portrayed as real attainable goals. I think I'll reread this favorite again.

Coconut Curry Rice Salad

2012-01-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

We spent our 30^th wedding anniversary in SLC visiting relatives and old friends. We also ate at a famous raw food restaurant. We started with a delicious Coconut Curry Rice Salad, which was fantastic. While our other choices were tasty, they were much too rich for me. I’ve been living a plant-perfect lifestyle for over 2 years now. So the dishes made with copious amounts of nuts and olive oil didn’t sit well with my tender tummy.

If I ever go back there, I’ll for sure eat the salad again. But there I’ll stop. It was good enough to satisfy almost anyone and not make them feel overly stuffed. At home, I'll make the salad to accompany Chana Palak Masala another light dish. The following recipe reflects my interpretation of the dish. It is no longer considered raw, because I substitute white beans for young coconut meat and almond milk/coconut extract for the young coconut milk. The result is very much like Omar’s salad from Rawtopia. Enjoy!

Coconut Curry Rice Salad (oil-free, sugar-free, soy-free, gluten-free)

1 large clove garlic
1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
½ t red chili paste
a large chunk of ginger (maybe 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons’ worth?)
1/4 c. dried mango, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
a small handful of Thai or regular basil leaves
1 c. plain almond or other plant milk with ½ t. coconut extract
½ c. cooked white beans of any kind

1 t. yellow curry powder
1 t. miso tamari

In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients in a Vita-Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, and store in a covered container in the fridge. Toss with sprouted wild rice, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage, pistachios and raisins. Depending on the amount of veggies and rice, you may have leftover dressing. Place a bed of micro greens on the plate. Put a scoop of rice mixture on the bed and top with sprouts.

a week of plant perfect cuisine 3

2012-01-15T06:56:00.008-07:00

This sprout center is at the Natural Food Center in Abilene. I've been dreaming of something like this in my kitchen for some time now. I wish I knew where they got it.

Meals proceed main dish salad first, other veggies second, starch, fruit, and nuts last.

Prep day-pinots, blacks, garbanzos, quinoa, rice, vegan no-oil ceasar and avocado dressings

Daily-keep up micro-garden for greens and sprouts, check menu in the morning

Sunday Soup Night-Sunflower Green Salad with avocado dressing+Chili

Monday Mediterranean Night-Coconut Curry Rice Salad+Chana Palak Masala (No, it isn’t Mediterranean but India was close enough to that region for Alexander to cause them some trouble. Who knows, maybe Alexander went there for the curry.)

Tuesday Mexican Night-Kicken Kabbage Slaw+Chick Pea Tacos

Wednesday Pasta-Sunflower Greens, Sprout, and Carrot Salad+Lasagne Rolls

Thursday Pot of Beans-Buckwheat Greens, Sprout, and beets Salad+No Pasta Fagolli

Friday Pizza/Burger-Black Bean Burgers on a bed of greens

Saturday Asian-Microgreen and Mung bean Salad+Black Bean Loaf with caulipots (Mary Esselstyn's recipe-2-3 potatoes, half a cauliflower, and 2-3 T. nutritional yeast) and mushroom gravy+braised cabbage (This is hardly Asion, but I wanted to give this a try anyway.)

Breakfasts-Buckwheat Green Smoothies and Herb Tea

Lunches-Miso Dulse Vegetable Soup+Kim Chi or chili+salad

Snacks-apples, pears, prunes, dried figs, miso soup, kim chi and rice rolled in nori

No-oil Caesar or Avocado Salad Dressing
Adapted from Healthy Girl's Kitchen

1 c. cooked garbanzo beans with a bit of the broth
1/4 c. raw almonds or 1 avocado
1 T. miso tamari
1 T. Dijon mustard or 1 t. chili paste
1 T. capers or green chilies
1 Medijool date
1/2 t. garlic powder
juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime
1/4 c. water or more

Blend until utterly smooth in a magic bullet.

Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Vegan Lasagna Rolls

Adapted from a dozen tofu lasagne recipes

1 chopped onion, pureed
2-3 stalks, celery, pureed
1 bell pepper, pureed
1/2 lb chopped mushrooms
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 c chopped, natural olives (optional)
1 lb chopped kale, steamed and squeezed dry
2 c. cooked garbanzo beans, or one can, drained and mashed
1 quart crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

1-2 t. dried Italian herbs
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
1 T. dried parsley
9 large or 18 small basil leaves
2 T. nutritional yeast
2 T. nutritional yeast
9 brown rice lasagna noodles (If there is no gluten allergy, whole wheat would be good as well.)

Over lowest heat saute onions, celery, and peppers until they are dry. Add mushrooms and garlic and continue to saute until the mushrooms are soft. Add tomatoes, pepper flakes, 2 T. nutritional yeast, and herbs to the onion-mushroom mix. Continue to heat over low until thickened. In a separate bowl, mash the garbanzos into a paste; mix the kale, parsley, 2 T. nutritional yeast, and olives into the garbanzos. Add 1/4 cup of red sauce, stirring to combine.

In a large pot, cook pasta al dente according to directions. Immediately rinse with cold water, pat dry with a clean towel and set aside laying flat on a plate. Taste test, adding seasonings, salt, and pepper to taste. Line your large pot with a thin layer of red sauce. Spread 1/4 cup of the garbnazo-spinach mixture on a noodle, place 1 or 2 basil leaves on top, and roll it closed. Place the roll in the pot with the crease facing down. Repeat with all noodles. Pour the remaining red sauce over the rolls, cover, and bring to a low simmer. Cook about 10 minutes, until rolls and red sauce are warm. Serve immediately.

No Starvation, Stress, or Strain

2012-01-14T06:52:00.002-07:00

This is for all of you who made New Year's Resolutions to loose weight, get in better physical condition, and feel better about yourselves. It's long. Although, if you take the time to watch it, you will feel a lot better about your goals and yourselves.

His idea to eat salad first, vegetables second, and concentrated carbs last is brilliant. Concentrated carbs in this case are whole grains, potatoes, and whole grain pastas/breads. Leave off concentrated foods: oils, processed foods, sweets, etc.

gotta love my job!!

2012-01-13T07:10:00.001-07:00

1. My main job is homemaking, which most people would love if they would give it a go. It is challenging intellectually and fulfilling on many levels. Plus, I have permission to obsess about one of my favorite things, food. Since adopting my healing, building, plant-perfect way of eating, I've had to learn how to cook again. The best part of this is starting a whole new cookbook collection. Some of my favorites are: Appetite for Reduction, Forks Over Knives Cookbook, Vegan on the Cheap, and Vegan Planet. But I've barely scratched the surface!

2. It doesn't cost any more to eat this way than it did with all the cream, meat, cheese, etc. In fact I think it costs less. Even though I'm using 100% organic these days, I still get by on the same budget of 7 years ago. Food prices have soared but our budget has remained static. I'm more thoughtful in preparation, in utilizing leftovers, in growing my own, and in being creative with what is available.

3. With all this, I still incorporate a working pantry by rotating my storage. I wrote extensively about this in my book The Pantry Principle and then revised it to be compatible with the plant-perfect lifestyle in New Pantry Principle. I look at my food storage as my very own bulk store. Instead of getting a pound of organic lentils for $3.00 at the health food store, I buy a 25# bag for about 1/3 the price. Some of these are put in #10 cans for long term storage, while others are put in glass jars in my pantry.

4. This change is bringing my family closer together. It's interesting how positively people interact, when they feel well. We have fun discussing what's for dinner, what people want to try, or what they don't ever want to see on the plate again. Hey, it's a learning experience for all of us. It's so important to stick to your guns about things while allowing others to make their own choices. It's my experience that they will come around to good ideas with patience, long-suffering, and indisputable evidence before their eyes.

5. The most wonderful, fulfilling part of this lifestyle has to be my kitchen micro farm. I have a great video of this project, but for some reason blogger won't upload it. Hmmmmmm

Master Soup Recipe

2012-01-12T06:58:00.002-07:00

Some wonder what I mean by "some sort of vegetable, lentil/bean, kale soup." Years ago I read the Tightwad Gazette Newsletters. Amy Dacyczyn, the frugal zealot and author of the newsletter, published a master muffin recipe that I used for years. I modified it to suit my needs, but learned a great lesson from this technique. Although it is fun to try out recipes, they are actually simple guides to be twisted and tweaked by the chef. Getting back to my soup, I've developed a master soup recipe of sorts that might be helpful to anyone seeking to avoid unhealthy ingredients or subservience to the king. Soup is the ultimate peasant king cuisine.

This can be made in any amount.

Soup Base:
1/4 onion or 1 leek (white and a little green parts) for each person, pureed
1-4 carrots, chopped or pureed
1-4 celery stocks, chopped or pureed
1-4 garlic cloves, pressed (optional)
1 green bell pepper, chopped or pureed (optional)

The first three will become your stock. The others are optional and will take your soup in different directions. It is not necessary to buy little bullion cubes, which are really a ball of fat, artificial flavorings, and salt. Neither is it necessary to buy canned stocks or broths. Good results can be achieved with these nutritious and inexpensive ingredients. Put them in your soup pot over the lowest possible heat and cook until the water is evaporated and the onions begin to turn golden. Or just put them in the bottom of your crock pot.

Body Vegetables:
1. chopped root vegetables
2. chopped winter squash
3. tomatoes and cabbage
4. cauliflower or broccoli

Pick one or two of the above categories. Chop several cups of these vegetables into spoon sized pieces. Your choice here will determine the theme or ethnic direction of your soup. If you choose the tomato route, you will probably also choose garlic and peppers above. Now add several cups of the cleanest water you have available; I used distilled when possible. If you have only two people obviously the amounts of vegetables and water will be different than if you are feeding a family of eight.

Flavorings:

Here the palette is wide open. Any an all spices and herbs are available. Thyme, parsley, sage, rosemary, curry powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, chili powder, nutritional yeast, etc. Miso can be added just before serving. Start with a small amount, adding more to gain your perfect taste. Because I don't use much salt and like things very flavorful, I use a heavy hand with spices and herbs. Your family may like things more subtly seasoned. Have fun playing with this.

Body:

Here we add soaked lentils, cooked beans and/or cooked grains to give the soup stick to your ribs potential. I precook beans and grains once a week for the fridge or freezer to add to my soups and main dishes all week long. My kitchen cupboard has dozens of varieties of beans and grains. Any amount is fine but I tend to add around 1/2 c. beans and 1/4 c. grains per person. Note lentil go in at the beginning with the body vegetables, while cooked beans and grains are added at the end with greens. If using tomatoes, add them after the lentils are soft. Legumes will not soften properly, when cooked with salt or acid.

Greens:

At the end of cooking, I like to add 2-3 cups finely chopped kale, bok choi, zucchini, parsley, basil, collards, chard, cabbage, etc. When adding basil, it is more like 1/2 c. mixed with one of the others.

Texture:

Some soups are pureed before or after the addition of the greens. A large pot of soup can be eaten intact for one or two meals. As interest wains, it can be pureed for a different presentation.

Toppers:

This is where avocados, nuts, and seeds of all kinds come in. We use them as garnishes on soups and salads for added flavor and nutrition but not generally as main ingredients. Nutritional yeast tastes a bit like Parmesan cheese but is a much healthier choice for a 'cheesy' topper. Also colorful spices, minced fresh herbs, sprouts, and micro-greens look fantastic and inviting on soup.

Well there you go. Have a great time testing, twisting and tweaking with your favorite, frugal ingredients for the most satisfying, tasty bowl of soup you can imagine. Set the table nicely and nobody will ever know you are cooking for health and frugality.

three peas in a pod

2012-01-11T05:42:00.002-07:00

Cocoa asked, 'With which fictional character do you identify the most?'

This has been different at different ages. As a girl, I wanted to be Anne of Green Gables. No, I wasn't an orphan, but I felt a stranger in my own country. Going off to a new land and finally fitting in with a dear kindred friend and a sweet teacher, I knew I would find the real me. But I stayed in Phoenix at my huge over-populated school and endured until graduation. On the way, Anne tempted me to take a new look at literature and poetry. She gave me courage to work harder at home and school. For awhile I actually lived up to my scholastic potential under her eye. I saw what was possible.

As a mother of many children, I connected with Jo from Little Men and Jo's Boys. I love teaching all sorts of homemaking skills especially cooking and sewing. I love teaching young people about their future missions in life through great books. Encouraging them to work in the garden and care for their own pets and having pillow fights and snapping towels during dishes and talking to them about improving character and habits, I could see myself walking right beside Jo. Operating a school for young people, I've rarely received anything towards my expenses or time. Now most of my scholars are adults, out in the world and making a difference. Writing whenever I can, loving my children, and being entirely devoted to my husband, I am very much like Jo the adult woman. And I have to say, like Fritz my husband understands my feelings that I didn’t belong, like I am too strange for normal people. My dear, sweet husband loves me because of my outlook and talents. Jo had similar feelings and experiences that she overcame. Her individuality made her made her a strong, capable, compassionate woman. Anne and Jo helped me leave behind self-doubt. Jo and Anne and I are as like minded as three peas in a pod.

a week of plant perfect cuisine 2

2012-01-09T19:00:00.006-07:00

Sunday Soup Night-Tomato Artichoke Basil Bisque+Green Salad with beets and water chestnuts

Monday Mediterranean Night-Roasted Portabello "Steaks"+ Cooked Zucchini Pasta and Spicy Marinara over Polenta+California Kale

Tuesday Mexican Night-Skillet Black Bean Enchilada Stack+Jicama Orange Salad with Spinach and Sprouts

Wednesday Mock Pasta-Raw Zucchini Marinara+Sunflower Greens, Sprout, and Spinach Salad

Thursday Pot of Beans Night-Garlicky White Beans and Kale+Buckwheat Greens, Sprout, and Spinach Salad

Friday Pizza-Pizza Potatoes

Saturday Stir Fry- Braised Bok Choi with Red Peppers and Red Rice

Breakfasts-Buckwheat Green Smoothies, Carrot Juice, and Herb Chai

Lunches-Miso Vegetable Soup with adzuki beans, Red Rice, and Kim Chi or lentil soup and salad

I read a certain blog, where the lady is trying to loose weight according to a sort of Eat to Live diet. Then she posted a recipe for a layered Mexican dip made with mega doses of nuts. She made it to help get her 1 lb raw veggies down. Sadly, it will be counterproductive with the amount of fat. I gave her this advice.

"Your layer dip sounds delicious although pretty high in fat. I'll let you in on the secret for getting that lb of fresh veggies + 1 lb cooked veggies. The fruit is easy. Pack the blender with greens. 2 c. isn't enough. Around here our smoothie consists of 2-3 c. water, 1 lb greens, 1 banana, 1 orange, 1-2 c. frozen blueberries or cherries, and 2 T. flax seeds. split between two people, it goes down quickly and gives 1/2 lb. green/fruity goodness to whomever drinks it. At lunch we eat a huge salad along with vegetable/bean/kale soup of some sort. Dinner always includes a huge salad that often doesn't look anything like a salad: zucchini 'noodles' with marinara (cooked or raw) is one favorite. Plus some sort of cooked entree; last night it was roasted portabello "steak" and California Kale. Miso, kim chi, carrot juice, a little more fruit, distilled water, herbal tea, and herbal chai made with homemade raw almond milk are tucked in among the rest. Nuts, seeds, and avocado are a nutritious part of a plant diet but are very easy to overdo, thus causing us to retain fat. Keep an eye on the intake of these high fat favorites."

In order to make the plant perfect lifestyle work, the focus should be more on beans, greens, mushrooms, and other vegetables less on fruits, seeds, and nuts. Oils are eliminated altogether. Of course fruits, seeds, and nuts are a delicious necessity, but they are not the center of the eating plan. In other words, I've seen a lot of very chubby vegans and raw foodies with skewed vision.

Kim Chi

2012-01-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

I've written about my addiction to miso from South River. But I have another secret obsession, Kim Chi. Spicy, flavorful foods are my favorite. When they involve crunchy greens, I can't resist. Both of these healthy foods are loaded with probiotics. In Japan miso soup is served for breakfast every day and other meals often. Korean's eat Kim Chi at every meal with rice. Spencer is with me and Kim Chi, while Joseph begs for miso. I like them both and think they make a nice addition to the green smoothie breakfasts of the last few years. I have more variety to choose from now.

I've made a few different fermented cabbage recipes that I mostly composted. They were so salty that I could not eat them. I read somewhere that the should be rinsed, but that seemed counterproductive for the probiotics. I am so happy to find Dr. Kim's recipe, using salt for the right reason, then rinsing it off. I like the idea of using fruit and onion instead of sugar, too.

Since discovering Natural Grocer, I have a good supply of greens and can easily give it a try. This week.

Vegan Bok Choi and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

2012-01-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

I know; I know!!! It isn't eggplant season, but sometimes one of my organic sources has eggplant in the winter. I snap it up, because I'm an eggplant fanatic!

1 regular eggplant or 2-3 Japanese eggplants, cubed

2 c. bok choi or kale, loosely chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 T. finely-grated fresh ginger

zest and juice of one orange

2 T. organic plum baby food-I use this in place of hoisen sauce to eliminate food additives and sugar

1 t. apple cider or rice vinegar

1/4 t. red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)

3 green onions, minced
1 T. miso tamari or other low salt tamari

Steam fry eggplant in orange juice in a large skillet for 3 min. Add greens and continue to steam fry, until veggies are softened to your satisfaction, and very little liquid remains (about 3 more minutes).

Remove the veggies to a bowl. Add zest, garlic, ginger, vinegar, red pepper, tamari, and plum sauce. Simmer briskly for 5 minutes.

Return cooked veggies to pan, with a little more water if needed. Stir to heat through and coat with sauce. Put veggies on serving plates over a bit of brown, black, or red rice and garnish with onion to serve 2. This can also be served as a cold salad with soak/sprouted wild rice.

all's well that ends deliciously

2012-01-05T06:12:00.002-07:00

Last night was supposed to be mock pasta. I'm still having trouble getting veggies in Walmartville and I didn't want my standby marinara, so my mock pasta became Green Beans ala Rosa a Horta. I used to eat pasta rosa by the bucket load--so creamy and flavorful. Since cream is out of the question and I was craving this old favorite, I invented a replacement. But our tiny healthfood store received a shipment, which included green beans, kale, and such but no zucchini or spaghetti squash. The resulting dish-- very tasty and very green.

Green Beans ala Rosa a Horta

Noodles:
1-2 lbs. green beans, french cut into long 'noodles'

Rosa Sauce:
1/2 c. hummus (homemade with garbanzos, lemon, garlic, onion powder, pimento, and cayenne-no oils or salt)
1/2 c. nutritional yeast
1 c. unsweetened plant milk (may need to add more to get the right consistency.
1 c. diced, squished tomato (canned or fresh)
1/4 t. smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 t. dried basil (optional or use fresh as a garnish)
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
2 T. roasted, chopped pine nuts

Horta:
1 lb. kale
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 T. onion broth or water
juice and zest from 1 lemon
1/8 t. red pepper flakes

In a giant pot, steam onion until very soft even to the point of carmelization if you like (you might add a bit of sliced mushrooms with the onions, too). Add greens, broth, beans, lemon zest, and garlic. Steam and toss the greens while cooking. Do not over-cook, steaming only until greens are wilted but still have their brilliant color. Toss with lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Meanwhile, steam green beans until tender crisp.

Meanwhile, heat all sauce ingredients, stirring until smooth and heated through.

Place a bed of horta on your dinner plate. Toss sauce with steamed 'noodles' and put over the horta or along side. Garnish 'pasta' with parsley and pine nuts.

safer and cleaner with the power of herbs

2012-01-04T16:50:00.001-07:00

This year, I resolve to make my life safer and cleaner with the power of herbs! Actually, I've been making cleaners from vinegar, baking soda, castille soap, herbs, and essential oils for some time.

This year I plan to expand this practice to laundry soap. A certain famous internet MD, with whom I rarely agree but always read, wrote an article the other day about poisons present in laundry soap. I tried before making my own laundry soap, but had terrible skin reactions to the pink or yellow grated laundry bars in all the recipes I found. The web MD gave a recipe using grated bath soap. Since I have narrowed down bath soaps to only those that don't make me itch or worse, I just might be successful this time. Enter Mountain Rose Herbs, my shopping choice for dried herbs and such. Giving me another nudge in this direction, they are having a great give-away. Check it out!

I also plan to start making my own lotions, salves, and lip balm again, starting with lip balm. Strangely, I got off track, when I started using Bert's Bees again awhile back. I am a bee keeper myself with a good source of organic bee's wax from my own back yard. But shame on Clorox for changing the recipes. How do I know they did? The last tube of lip balm I used made my lips swell up, crack, bleed, and peel. Gross and painful.

a week of plant perfect cuisine

2012-01-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I eat kale and think it's delicious. But that's how it is!

Some think it must be a challenge to adopt a plant perfect diet. I don't call it vegan, because many vegans don't eat a healthy diet; they rely too much on nuts, oils, and avocados and not enough on greens, beans, fruits, and whole grains. I admit it wasn't easy to get started until I realized it was a new opportunity to be creative. This way of life makes me feel fantastic.

Although our breakfasts are very static-carrot juice, green smoothie, miso soup, and herbal teas all sipped slowly throughout the morning, being adventurous in the kitchen is my passion. Generally, dinner starts with individual mega-huge salads in 2 quart corelle serving bowls followed by a plant perfect main dish. If you look closely at my main dishes, you will see they are simply cooked salads. This week I'm making Ann Esselstyn's hummus salad dressing, mixing homemade no-fat hummus with extra lemon, lime, orange or vinegar until a nice consistency. All the recipes are from my brain or otherwise noted. If I have time, I'll post the recipes over the week.

S-Minestrone Soup with fennel-because the store was out of kale and cabbage. Left-overs will be lunch for several days--then I'll make Turkish red lentil soup to last until Sunday.

M-Amaranth Polenta con Cavolo Nero-just seasoned kale and white beans over seasoned amaranth

T-Black Bean and Red Rice stuffed Chile Relenos--haven't made this for awhile but have a hankering for it's spicy sultry goodness. My friend Maria from Mexico City taught me how to make authentic enchilada sauce from dried chilies and tomatoes, which I put over slightly roasted, peeled pablanos stuffed with black beans and red or brown rice. We have never missed the cheese, since we started making Relenos this way. MMMMM

W-Mock Pasta with Marinara-ever so quick will either be raw spaghetti squash or zucchini depending on the market

Th-Black Eyed Peas with Collards--I hope the fifth isn't too late for New Year's good luck! From Appetite for Reduction minus liquid smoke, salt, and oil

F-Polenta Pizza with kale, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, and green onions--Pizza night mmmhhhmmm

Sa-Bok Choi and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce with Black Rice--Two of my favorite veggies with lots of health saving garlic. Who could ask for more?

Homemade hummus is so easy and cheap compared to store bought. Plus, it tastes way better. I haven't been pleased with the texture I get from canned beans so always make it from hot, garbanzos cooked until they are very soft. Blend 2-3 c. cooked garbanzos with enough cooking liquid to make a smooth paste. Stir in lemon, garlic (raw or roasted), chopped roasted red pepper or pimento or green chilies or roasted eggplant, cayenne, minced green onions, parsley, cilantro, etc. Eat with veggie scoopers or thin to salad dressing.

Potato Lazagne

2011-12-22T14:07:00.003-07:00

I love Italian tasting dishes. Potato Lazagne is one of my new faves, which not many could turn up their noses.

1 28 oz. can tomato puree
1 c. pureed, cooked white beans
1/4 c. water
1 onion, pureed
2 stalks celery, pureed
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 t. paprika
2 t. Italian dried herbs
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
4-6 large yellow or red potatoes, sliced (doesn't work with russets)
8 oz. mushrooms mixture crimini and shitaki, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
8 oz. water-packed artichoke hearts, chopped
small can sliced black olives
1 bunch dinosaur kale, ribbon sliced

Mix first 8 ingredients together to make sauce. Place half of the potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Layer mushrooms, bell pepper, tomato, artichokes, olives, and kale over the potatoes. Cover with half of the sauce. Layer on the remaining potatoes and finish with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Ohhhhh, I just noticed that this can be made into a pantry diving/emergency thriving dish by using dehydrated kale, celery, onion, and garlic, canned potatoes, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. Then all that would be needed is to heat it up over a butane stove or in a sun oven. Gonna try this one.

30 on 30

2011-12-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's out; I have this geeky thing about numbers and patterns.

Not only are my beloved and I celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this month, it is our 30th on the 30th. In my heart, I feel young and fresh. But my years and face tell a different story. I guess on a woman's 30th wedding anniversary, she is considered aged. Women today try to hold onto youth into their sixties, which is odd. Although I don't intend to cut my hair, get a curly perm, buy support hose, and walk with a cane quite yet, I belong to the aged crowd.

I want to ease into my aged years with grace instead of fighting them with black in a bottle and teen styles. Remaining active, social, and taking responsibility for my own health, I just might make this goal a reality.

"That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2: 2-5

I must question if I am sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith, charity and patience. Do I behave myself in a becoming way? Certainly, I don't drink wine, but do I falsely accuse? Do I teach good things to younger women? Soul searching is a good thing and ought to be done at all stages of life.

Leonardo’s Minestrone

2011-12-18T12:33:00.003-07:00

Adapted from How to Think like Leonardo da Vince

A plate of soup doesn’t have to be a let down. Even though it is peasant food, it can be presented in a way to make it fit for royalty. And isn’t your family royalty? Mine is.

2 cups cooked cannellini or kidney beans

1 bunch Swiss chard, ribbon cut, pieces not longer than spoon

3 medium zucchini, ¼ inch moons, quartered
8 oz. crimini mushrooms, sliced

2 onions pureed

5 cloves garlic, pressed

28 oz. diced tomatoes or 4 large fresh in season

2 carrots, diced

1 small red pepper, diced

4 stalks celery, diced

1/2 small savoy cabbage, ribbon cut, pieces not longer than spoon

3 medium potatoes, diced

2 cups vegetable broth

¼ t. dried thyme, oregano, and basil

¼ c. minced fresh parsley

¼ c. minced fresh basil

dash cayenne

salt and pepper to taste

2 oz. brown rice elbows

The morning or evening before this soup is to be prepared, arrange vegetables in a bowl or basket. Smell them. Admire them. Draw them. Give thanks.

In a large soup pot over the lowest heat, sauté onion, mushrooms, celery, carrots, and garlic until all liquid has been evaporated and vegetables turn golden. Add potatoes and water. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Add all other ingredients except fresh herbs. Add a bit more water or broth if necessary. Simmer over low heat until zucchini and pasta tender. Add fresh herbs. Adjust salt and pepper.

Set the table nicely including some sort of centerpiece. Experience fragrance, colors, and textures, as you dish your masterpiece into soup plates. Savor the flavor. Be with your table mates 100%. Play Puccini and Pasta: A Romantic Italian Feast for Your Ears to improve the mood even more. Serve minestrone with a large green and non-sweet fruit salad with orangette and apple-blueberry-pecan crisp.

Dr. Fuhrman says let the salad be the main dish. Veggie soups are simply cooked salad.

My new vinaigrette is a lot different than the norm. Lately, vinegars seem to burn the skin off my lips and mouth. Yikes! So I've developed a milder vinaigrette that I call:

Orangette

2 Valencia or Arizona sweet oranges, juiced

1 T. sesame seeds

1 T. cashews or soaked almonds with skins slipped off

1 t. dried herbs of choice

1 t. powdered mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Whir in a magic bullet until smooth.

The Secret is in the Greens

2011-12-14T08:58:00.002-07:00

<br><br><br>Sin

Since reaching my ideal weight, I eat a bit more whole grains and starchy vegetables than before. I agree with Dr. Fuhrman. I feel much better, when my diet is centered on greens, beans, and fruits. But I get way too hungry without my extra weight to limit starches to only 1/2 . per day. Like DF, I no longer limit my servings to 1/2 cup but also don't base my diet on whole grains or starchy vegetables like winter squash, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. I continue to live by my mantra, 'the secret is in the greens.'

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Green Smoothies?????

2011-12-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Many vegans and vegetarians avoid vegetables and rely more on nuts, grains, and beans. While nuts, grains, and beans are good, the secret to vibrant health is found in the greens. A breakfast of hot cereal is always welcome, but in our home all breakfasts start with a large green smoothie. How this might be accomplished in our pantry diving/emergency thriving meal box? My solution is dehydrating like Dr. Schultz and his super food. I don't want to buy a pre-made super food, because many contain wheat grass and barley grass, no-nos with celiacs. Also, I don't know if they have been dehydrated at low temp, as we always include a great portion of our diet as raw.

Our smoothies contain a pound of leafy greens, water, an orange with a bit of the peel, a banana, and 1 c. cherries or blue berries, making 2 quarts. When dehydrated at a low heat and powdered in the blender, it is reduced to about 2 cups. I divide this into 4 portions of 1/2 c. each plus 1 t. spirelina powder and 1.5 t. chia seeds. We usually use flax seeds, but they go rancid if ground. Chia seeds don't need to be ground to be digested so make the perfect addition to my emergency smoothie recipe. To drink it, reconstitute with 16 oz. water. In our family, we would want two of these packets per day to maintain optimum health.

If you have read this far, you are a smoothie nut like me. I admit it doesn't taste as good as a real smoothie. However, it will give me the nutrition and fiber my body desperately needs. I imagine in a bug out situation, excellent nutrition would help one cope and thrive in a more serene manner.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #9 or 10 or...

2011-12-02T06:36:00.001-07:00

I am lost as to what number I'm on. This has been a fun experiment. The last two things I did had their inspiration with Vegan Unplugged, but I used my own totally different recipes. I made falafal with tofu tzatziki and buckwheat pilaf. Soon I'll post my menu and shopping list.

2 c. (or 1 can) chick peas/garbanzo beans, drained
1 clove garlic, pressed (or 1 t. powdered)
1 t. dried mint
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup brown rice flour
a few drops olive oil

Oil and heat pan over medium low heat. Mash ingredients to a paste and cook by 1T. patties until brown on each side.

1 c. buckwheat
1/2 c. chopped mushrooms ( or 1 small can)
1 grated carrot (or 1/4 c. dehydrated carrot)
1 small onion, minced (or 2 t. powdered)
1 clove garlic, pressed (or 1/2 t. powdered)
1 handful parsley, minced (or 1 T. dried)
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. broth

Over lowest heat, saute onion, carrot, mushrooms and garlic until golden. (or add everything to the pot) Add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil. Simmer 10 min. (or remove from heat and wrap in towels for 30 min. or put in a thermal cooker for 10 min.)

The above is great on its own or delicious with tofu tzatiziki

1/2 c. firm silken tofu
1 T. lemon juice
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, coarsely shredded, and drained on paper towels for 20 min. (may omit if not available)
1 t. dried mint
salt and pepper to taste

Mash and mix tofu and lemon until smooth. Stir in other ingredients and enjoy after 20 min of mingle time.

Left over buckwheat pilaf is great in miso soup.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #9

2011-11-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Another recipe idea from Vegan Unplugged is curry. Like usual, I totally remade the recipe with my own curry blend and different veggies. Why my own curry blend? To me turmeric tastes like Comet.

In a Hurry Curry

1 can low fat coconut milk
4 potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (or 1 can potatoes)
2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly (or 1 can carrots)
1 Anaheim pepper, small dice (or 1 can chopped green chilies)
1 Serrano pepper, minced (optional)
1 c. ribbon cut collards or kale (or nope just can't get myself to eat canned greens but maybe a bit of dehydrated spinach would work)
2 c. cooked chick peas (or 1 can)
1 onion, minced (or 1 t. onion powder)
1 glove garlic pressed (or 1/4 t. garlic powder)
3 t. curry powder prepared or home-blended
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Instructions: Put all ingredients into your pan and heat until bubbly. Mash the potatoes and beans a bit to thicken the sauce. Serve over rice or eat as a stew.

Garden Feast Instructions: Saute onion over very low heat until it turns golden, about 20 min. Add all ingredients except greens into your pan and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender. Stir in greens, cooking until they wilt barely. Serve over rice or eat as a stew.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #8

2011-11-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Warning: My camera is still missing so this is another pictureless blog post. I guess I'll have to submit to the inevitable and buy a new camera.

If you've just joined me for this experiment, I'll explain. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints "have been counseled for many years to be prepared for adversity. Preparation, both spiritual and temporal, can dispel fear...individual members and families should prepare to be self-reliant in times of personal or widespread emergency." In each congregation, members are asked to be in charge of certain things to spread the work and talent around. Then nobody is overwhelmed with too much to do. Right now, my volunteer calling is to help women understand and accept the counsel to be prepared for adversity by providing them concrete tools to do so.

Although I'm expert at extended home storage and have written a few books on the subject, right off the bat I plan to teach is evacuation/stay at home without electricity kits. This is not my forte. Some kits out there give menus for three days that would leave a 2-year-old hungry not to mention cold and unhappy. While they are better than nothing, they are inadequate at best. I prayed and thought about this idea and found Vegan Unplugged: A Pantry Cuisine Cookbook and Survival Guide featuring the Five-Day Meal Box. I'm going through this book and trying the recipes made strictly from nonperishable pantry ingredients to teach the women of my congregation an alternative to cup-a-soup and Jolly Ranchers.

Right now some are probably rolling their eyes and proclaiming that not everyone is vegan. True-True! The recipes I have tried can be modified slightly by adding a can of chicken, beef cubes, or tuna if one so desires. The point is this food is tasty and nutritious whether or not one is vegan. When fresh food is unavailable, this idea will keep body and spirit together quite happily.

I'm excited to get several of these recipes under my belt so I might assemble my 5-day meal box for our next road trip. Food out of the home is difficult for anyone with food allergies, which makes me doubly motivated to gain this skill.

Last Resort Lasagne from Vegan Unplugged was very tasty but makes way more than any 4 people could eat. I'd say it serves 6-8 easily. My husband ate seconds and gave it an 8. My son said he would eat it again if he was hungry. However, it doesn't taste like lasagne to him. He gave it a 6.5. The 'cheese' was a filling made with nutritional yeast, white beans, and extra firm silken tofu, which was delicious IMO. I used brown rice lasagne but could also have used firm polenta. But....and it's a big but....I have never found a jarred marinara sauce yet that was palatable. So I couldn't make this with a one burner stove, conserving fuel. I like the idea of making lasagne this quickly in a skillet, but it could also be baked in a conventional or sun oven. It might be doable as a bug out meal, combining sauce made on a butane stove with the final product baked in a sun oven. Either way it is a good thing to have on had for an at home sort of 'don't feel like cooking' pantry diving dinner. Learning how to cook all over again without gluten, refined sugars, oil, dairy, eggs, or meat is sort of fun---well---most of the time.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #7

2011-11-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

It's funny how I keep coming across recipes in Vegan Unplugged that are quite similar to things we've eaten in our home for decades. One called tortilla skillet is very similar to our

Enchilada Casserole

9 corn tortillas
2 c. cooked pinto (or 1 can)
1 anaheim pepper ( or 1 small can), minced
1 t. cumin
1 t. oregano
1/4 t. smoked paprika
1/2 onion pureed and 2 cloves garlic pressed (or garlic and onion powder)
2 c. cooked brown rice
2 c. homemade enchilada sauce (or 1 16 oz. can)
1/4 c. nutritional yeast (optional)

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Instructions: Mix and mash beans with pepper, onion and garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Either in a large skillet or a square baking pan, put a bit of sauce on the bottom. Arrange tortillas. Layer beans, rice, sauce, tortillas, sauce, beans, rice, yeast. Cover and cook on stove burner for 10 min. Or bake uncovered in oven for 15 min at 350F. Or put in Sun Oven until bubbly. I would definitely NOT go with her suggestion of using instant brown rice if the vile stuff can even be considered food. Making rice in a thermal cooker is a great option for Emergency situations or when fuel must be conserved.

Garden Feast Instructions: The instructions are the same except saute the onion and garlic until very soft and golden over low heat. Mash the beans in the onion pan and use home made enchilada sauce. These can also be rolled for a prettier presentation. The tortillas must be very fresh if not homemade, directly off the grill for this.

Maria Ramos' Homemade Enchilada Sauce: Place 5-10 mild or medium (depends on personal taste and size of chilies) dried whole chilies in a bowl. Cover with boiling water, keep submerged with a small plate or bowl, and let rehydrate for at least 15 min. Longer is better. Drain, de-stem, and de-seed. Put in blender with 4-6 fresh tomatoes or 1 pt. tomatoes (can be stewed or plain) and 1 t. smoked paprika. Cook over low heat until reduced and thickened. Taste, add salt, pepper, and cayenne according to taste.

The smoked paprika in this dish isn't traditional but a yummy addition none-the-less.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #6-A Real Thanksgiving Meal

2011-11-24T07:17:00.003-07:00

Three Sisters Stew

This stew is adapted from several I read on the internet. In my Native American heritage, squash, corn, and beans are known as the “three sisters.” These crops and other fall harvested vegetables are what the Pilgrims and Natives celebrated at the first Thanksgiving. Although it is not a recipe from Vegan Unplugged, I discovered I could make this pantry diving style. I can't get enough of it and plan to add it to our traditions.

1 lb. winter squash

1/2 onion, pureed

1 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced (or 1 2 oz. jar pimento)

1 pt. tomatoes, with liquid, pureed

2 c. cooked pinto beans (or 1 can)

1 c. cooked hominy (1 1 c. canned)

1 c. vegetable broth (or water and 1 Rapunzel cube)

1/2 Serrano pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1 Anaheim chilies, seeded and chopped (or 1 small can)

2 t. ground cumin

1 t. dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 c. minced fresh cilantro or parsley (or 1 T. dried)

1-2 c. finely chopped kale (or 1/2 c. dehydrated)

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Instructions: Cut squash into small cubes. Stir all ingredients except cilantro/parsley together in a soup pot and heat until bubbly. Garnish with cilantro/parsley. Winter squash is very tasty raw or cooked just until warmed.

Garden Feast Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut squash into small cubes and roast for 25 min. Over very low heat, sauté the onion and until golden about 20 min. Add the garlic and continue to cook for a couple minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients except parsley and squash. Heat until bubbly. Stir in squash. Garnish with cilantro/parsley. This is even better the next day. If you can cook this the day before Thanksgiving, all the better.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #5

2011-11-23T07:42:00.001-07:00

Again I didn't follow a specific recipe from Vegan Unplugged but followed some of their advice about using up fresh produce at the beginning of a power failure. It wouldn't work if you had to evacuate. In a stay-at-home emergency, it will work marvelously. I made an out of this world unplugged salad.

First of all, we spent the afternoon putting the finishing touches on our giant mulch pile. Following the directions in Lasagne Gardening, we layered mulch materials and then covered the whole thing with giant pieces of black plastic. We weighted the plastic down with fire wood and paving stones to keep the fierce winds of this area from blowing away our whole project.

Anyway...I was in no mood to cook. Also, I needed to harvest a tray of sunflower greens--the absolutely best sunflower greens I've grown to date.

Unplugged Power Failure Main Dish Salad
Serves two hungry gardeners (or 4 as a side dish)

1 lb. salad greens of any variety (easy peasy with an indoor micro-garden)
1 pt. sprouts of any kind (always have sprouts growing in the kitchen)
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, sliced
1 Anaheim Pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Serrano Pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 c. green onions, minced (these actually came from the garden--volunteer onions in Nov)
1/2 avocado, cubed
1/4 c. parsley or cilantro, minced (yup, from the garden at Thanksgiving--amazing)
1/4 c. sliced natural olives
2 c. cooked pinto beans (or 1 can pintos) drained and rinsed
1 lime, slices
1 t. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 few drops superior quality extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving/Garden Feast instructions: I like to make this in a large wooden salad bowl. Slightly crush garlic clove. Rub the oil into the salad bowl with the clove. Press the remaining parts and mix with vinegar, green onions, tomatoes, anaheim, and serrano to make pico. Toss the greens and sprouts in the bowl. Layer the beans, pico, red peppers, avocado, olives, and herbs over the greens. Garnish with black pepper and lime.

It's even better by candle-light.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #4

2011-11-22T07:10:00.001-07:00

My adventures with Vegan Unplugged have been delightful so far. Although there is no recipe specifically for a basic Pad Thai or stir fry, she hinted at how it could be done with no electricity, no fridge, no stove, and not time. Priceless...Now that I've given up restaurants for gluten-free pastures, I developed a hankering for some of my old favorites. This is what I whipped up, which was much appreciated by my men.

8 oz. Tinkyada brown rice fettuccine (Pad Thai) OR 2 c. cooked brown rice
1 small batch homemade tofu (or 1 antiseptic brick extra firm silken tofu)-absolutely nothing beats homemade tofu
1-2 cloves garlic (or 1/4 t. powdered)
1/2 t. grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 t. dried)
8 oz. shitake mushrooms (or 1 small can mushrooms)
1/4 c. chopped green onions (or 1/4 t. powdered onion)
2-3 c. cut up fresh veggies: cabbage, snow peas, carrots (or 2 cans stir fry veggies: bean sprouts, baby corn, water chestnuts, etc.)
the juice of one orange (or 1/2 c. water with 1/4 t. honey)
1-2 T. gluten free soy sauce or tamari
1/2 t. red pepper flakes (optional-add more or less to taste)
2 T. natural peanut butter (no added salt, sugar, or fats) This can be found in little packets.
1/4 t. toasted sesame oil or 1 t. toasted sesame seeds
chopped peanuts

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving instructions:

Bring water to boil and add fettuccine. Stir and remove from heat. Put the lid on and cover with a kitchen towel. It will take about 20 minutes to soften. This is the method to use if you are cooking with an emergency butane stove and fuel must be conserved. If using all canned and dried ingredients, heat them up about 3 minutes before you expect the noodles to be done. Drain noodles and add to pan to heat through and mingle flavors. If using rice, stir in rice instead of noodles.

Garden Feast Directions:

Cook rice noodles to al dente in the usual manner. Cook mushrooms and onions in a frying pan over medium heat, covered, until mushrooms release their liquid. Add other ingredients except noodles, steaming until veggies are tender crisp. Stir in the noodles. If using rice, stir in rice instead of noodles. Heat through. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #3

2011-11-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Almost Instant Black Bean Chili is a vacation staple around here. When I saw this recipe in Vegan Unplugged, I had to smile. My version doesn't include TVP or corn, but is gobbled up every time I make it.

4 c. cooked (or 2 cans) black or pinto beans
1-2 c. homemade (or canned salsa)
1-2 t. chili powder

Mix everything together with a bit of water if needed and heat through. Serve over polenta, amaranth, or corn tortillas.

There are two ways to make polenta in circumstances with no electricity. Molino makes a decent instant polenta, which we have in our emergency kit. However, if 1 part coarsly ground polenta or amaranth is soaked in 2 parts water 8-24 hours with a pinch of pickling lime, it is very quick to cook. Bring it to a boil, put the lid on and let it sit for 15-20 min. Delicious.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #2

2011-11-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Kitchen-Sink Capellini from Vegan Unplugged was wonderful. I made it exactly like the recipe in the book, which is worth every penny I spent. And really, the title is so misleading. Yes, the recipes are all vegan, but carnivores could add chicken or beef either freshly cooked or canned to nearly all the main dish recipes. In the last two years, I haven't wanted any animal products. I have no desire whatsoever. But I am not everyone.

I hope my camera turns up soon or I'll be forced to take pictures with my phone.

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving Experiment #1

2011-11-18T06:07:00.005-07:00

I am excited about the premise behind Vegan Unplugged, a way to thrive during various emergencies, when utilities are disrupted. I have never been interested in the survivalist mentality, but am determined to become self-sufficient so I might thrive.

As I suspected, we will adapt the recipes in Vegan Unplugged. I always adapt recipes. Last night we experimented with corn chowder. The recipe calls for a vegan variation on the white sauce soup base. I've learned to amplify the nutritional level of this base to fit the ETL lifestyle by simply pureeing and seasoning white beans. The texture is slightly different, but the results are tasty. Also, my son is allergic to corn. We talked about what sort of vegetable would suite the base and decided the base tasted an awful lot like the Chicken a la King we used to eat and love. However, peas didn't seem like the right vegetable Soooo this is our version, which can be a pantry diving dinner or a garden feast. Dr. Fuhrman would be proud.

On a sad note, I lost my camera somehow and cannot take pictures of my creations. I am not the type to loose things so this is doubly distressing. I use my camera to make videos for my online school so have had to make some adjustments there, too.

King's Chowder

1 small onion, pureed (or 1 t. onion powder)
1 t. fresh thyme or 1/4 t. dried
1 large potato, cubed (or 1 can cubed potatoes)
2 c. cooked white beans (or 1 can white beans)
4 c. vegetable or onion broth (or 2 cubes Rapunzel Vegetable Bullion+4 c. water)
1 c. sliced mushrooms (or 1 small can mushrooms)
1/4 c. minced red pepper (or 1 2oz. jar pimentoes, drained)
2 c. chopped broccoli stems and florets (or 1 c. dehydrated broccoli, rehydrated)
Dash Cayenne
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving instructions:

Mash beans with a fork until as smooth as possible in your soup pot. Stir in other ingredients and simmer until heated. Add more water if it is too thick. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. If you are like me and always have sprouts growing in your kitchen, you can still eat fresh greens with this meal. Anyone can grow sprouts in a sprout bag if the weather is below freezing. Vegan backpackers do it all the time. If not, I suggest you serve a bit of dried/canned fruit and a marinated vegetable salad of some sort, artichokes, sauerkraut, or harvard beets. Minced marinated artichokes are wonderful with a big bowl of sprouts. Brown rice crackers are great beside a bowl of soup. Emergencies are prime time for constipation because of the lack of fiber in the typical bug out kit. Don't go there and add more stress.

Garden Feast Directions:

Over the lowest heat, saute onions and mushrooms about 20 min in your soup pot. Add potato, broth, and broccoli stems. Simmer until veggies are tender. Puree cooked white beans. Add them along with pimento, thyme, and broccoli florets and simmer just until broccoli becomes bright. Add more broth if it is too thick. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve this with brown rice crackers, a large green salad, and baked apples.

Pantry Diving and Thriving

2011-11-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

I'm the new preparedness specialist in my ward (congregation.) I love this sort of thing. The first request of the Relief Society is 72-hour kits. The typical kit has very little to eat and very little that anyone would want to eat. It is mostly white flour, sugar, salt, and chemicals masquerading as food. So many people can't eat gluten, sugar, and such, making this sort of plan not feasible. Because I intent to thrive instead of survive in unusual circumstances, I've searched and searched for an answer and found Vegan Unplugged. In VU are plans for this very goal with a 5 day meal box.

I realize most people eat meat, however, the recipes seem tasty enough for anyone. And if someone absolutely must have their meat, they can replace some of the canned beans with canned chicken or beef. Of course I still think it is a good idea to find things for a kit in a backpack that aren't just chemicals, sugar, and salt. However, this idea is a great supplement if leaving home can be done in a car. Also it is a wonderful thing to have on hand for blackouts and other disruptions in utilities, where a family can stay put.

I went through this with 5 little children after the Clinton Inaugural Day Storm, when we had no electricity for 5 days. We were totally unprepared but it turned out to be a wonderful time with my children. We all slept in the living room around the fireplace. I cooked soup on the fire (and ruined my pans.) We played board games, pieced puzzles, talked, and went to bed early. It was grand, but I learned a lot about what it would take to thrive in this sort of situation.

Ever since the movie Julie to Julia, I've wanted to go through a cookbook day by day. I intend to do just that and report on my successes and failures. At the end, I'll post a menu and shopping list for a 5 day meal box that will feed 2-4 adults. Of course, since I have most of the ingredients, I'll substitute fresh for canned. I'll cook with my sun oven on sunny days and a combo of a portable gas cooker and thermal cooker on cloudy days.

I already have this and love cooking with it.

I've been saving to purchase the Saratoga Jacks Thermal Cooker

and Thunder Range Portable Butane Gas Cooker.

new holiday traditions

2011-11-12T08:37:00.005-07:00

It was soooo funny. When we were in Seattle, we visited family. My BIL made a point of showing his favorite Everyone Loves Raymond episode, where Marie made Thanksgiving dinner a vegan affair complete with stuffed tofurky. I laughed until I cried. While the episode was hilarious, the message was anything but funny. Sorry but living a shorter, unhealthy life to allow eating stuff that makes one 'happy' is not a good choice--at least not for me.

I will be continuing my ETL lifestyle during this holiday and all those to come. I could never go back to feeling fat, sluggish, sick, and gross. I could never trade a vibrant, joyful, blissful life for...sweeties. I could never face my face full of acne again. I could never follow the family yellow brick road of constipation, hemorrhoids, hysterectomy, depression, drugs, diabetes, heart disease, stints, balloons, bypass, stroke, cancer, chemo, joint replacements, walkers, dementia, and so on. I could never choose disease over ease. I could never trade the delightful, clean, subtle flavors of fresh, natural, plant-foods over heavy, greasy, over-salted, bland, psuedo-foods. I could never again eat SAD CRAP, the standard American diet of calorie-rich and processed stuff. I choose to eat plant-foods, because I like the way it tastes, the way I look not eating them, and the way I feel eating them.

We'll be celebrating Thanksgiving with family, where the usual traditions will be served. That means I need to create a few new holiday food recipes to take with me like the following, which make only 2 servings each. That way I can eat without making anyone feel bad and if someone wants to try Grammy's delicious plant fare, I won't be hungry. Plus, I'll have a bit of leftovers. Mmmm....

As always, I'll start with a big green salad. This time it will be spinach, clover sprout, and sunflower green salad with marinated artichoke dressing.

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing

1 acorn squash

2 T. minced celery

1 T. minced onion

1 small apple, diced

juice and zest of ½ orange

pinch apple pie spice

1/2 c. fresh or frozen cranberries

1 T. honey

2 tablespoons water with a squeeze of lemon

Cut squash in half; discard seeds (save a few to plant in the garden). Cut a thin slice from the bottom of squash halves so don’t tumble sideways. Place squash hollow side down in a baking dish. Add 1/2 in. of water. Cover and bake at 375°

for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over the lowest heat sauté celery and onion in water until golden-about 20 min. Add the apple, apple pie spice, and orange. Cook, uncovered, over low heat until apple is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cranberries, honey, and water. Cook and stir until berries pop and liquid is syrupy. Turn squash halves over; fill with cranberry mixture. Cover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until squash is tender.

Savory Loaf

1/4 small sweet potato

1/4 large onion, pureed

1/4 stalk celery, pureed

1/4 small carrot, grated

4 small shitaki mushrooms, minced

1 bit of a garlic clove, pressed

1/4 c. cooked white beans

1 oz. extra-firm tofu

1 t. Bragg's Liquid Aminos

1 t. tomato paste

1/4 t. spicy brown mustard

1/8 t. mustard seed or powdered mustard

1 T. fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 t. rubbed sage

1/4 t. dried thyme leaf

1/4 t. dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 t. dried savory, crushed

dash cayenne

pinch lemon peel

1/4 t. smoked paprika

1/4 t. sweet paprika

1/2 T. nutritional yeast

1 T. finely chopped walnuts

1/4 c. cooked brown or red rice

Wash sweet potato, pierce it several times with a fork, bake for about 40 min. Allow to cool enough to handle and then peel and set aside.

Meanwhile, puree onion until smooth. Add celery to food processor and process until slightly chunky. Remove celery and onion to a skillet and add grated carrot and minced mushrooms. Cook veggies over lowest heat with 1/4 c. water until onion begins to turn golden. This takes some time, about 20-30 min, but is worth the addition of flavor to your food.

After the onions have gotten to the golden stage, add the beans, mashing them lightly with a slotted spoon or spatula.

Place peeled sweet potato into the food processor along with the tofu, Braggs, and all other seasonings, including nutritional yeast. Process until smooth. Stir together with walnuts, rice, and cooked vegetables.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu mixture on top into a loaf about 2 1/2 inches high. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is evenly browned. Cover with a large ovenproof bowl turned upside down on the baking sheet like a hard hat, and bake for 10 more minutes. The center should be firm. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes and remove from oven. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with this fantastic gravy that I've seen all over the internet and tasted on several occasions. Mmmmm.

Fantastic Gravy

1/4 onion, pureed

5 mushrooms, diced

a bit of a garlic clove, pressed

1 T. fresh parsley, minced

1 T. celery leaves, minced

1/4 c. veggie or onion broth

1 T. minced celery

dash thyme

dash sage

dash cayenne

1 t. nutritional yeast

1/4 t. light miso

1 t arrowroot

1 T. plain soymilk

In a saucepan, cook onion, celery, and mushrooms over the lowest heat with a bit of water until it begins to turn golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, for another minute.

Add broth, herbs, nutritional yeast, and miso. Whisk soy milk and arrowroot together until smooth. Stir into the broth, continuing to whisk for 15 minutes. Season with a few twists of pepper to taste and serve.

I'll make some peas with red peppers for a colorful plate and bake a couple cinnamon apples for dessert. This will provide all the tastes of the usual American feast without the cholesterol, fat, processed psuedo-foods, and excess sugar, while providing plenty of disease fighting nutrition. I could also make potatoes, but I don't think I could fit them in my stomach.

I'm also experimenting with a new recipe for pumpkin soy custard. I just got the book The Book of Tofu that explains how to make silken tofu custard, which is just one step different than making firm tofu. I love making tofu. I've often thought silken tofu had the same texture as custard but had no idea how to make it. Now I do!!!

eating like a peasant king (or queen)

2011-11-10T10:28:00.001-07:00

Some weeks my budget gets a bit snug, but I don't want to give up eating a healthy, delicious plant diet. This week is one of those weeks with three new sets of tires, travel expenses, and so forth. What to do? I remember a lecture given by Dr. Fuhrman. He told us if we don't have enough money for all the fresh produce to eat more beans. I have a fantastic food storage and well-stocked pantry. With a less than $20 dollars spent on apples, spinach, and cabbage plus parsley and kale from under the snow, I'm in business.

A snug budget isn't the only problem. When we drove back into town after spending some time in the Pacific NW at our daughter's wedding, we were greeted with 6 inches of snow and 12F temps. Knowing this meant a darth of fresh greens in Walmartville, I started soaking seeds and beans for indoor micro greens and sprouts after I unpacked the car. I planted my first trays this morning. I should have sprouts by tomorrow or the next day and greens in about 6-8 days.

I started a pot of pinto beans slow cooking yesterday for nori burritos, chili potatoes, and taco salad. Am cooking a pot of white beans in the sun oven today for Crema di cannellini, Fagioli all'Uccelletto over Polenta, Pasta Fagoli, and Tuscan white bean and kale soup. Finally, a pot of piatto pavoro and another of pumpkin tomato basil soup. All this peasant/king food will feed us well for the next 10-14 days. By then the greens in our square inch farm will be producing like gang busters for salads and smoothies.

You may notice, I don't add salt to my dishes. This is for stroke protection. You may or may not want to follow my lead.

Crema di Cannellini

3 garlic cloves, pressed
dried rosemary ( I put this in a spice grinder to powder. Otherwise it is like pine needles.)
cooked white beans
cooked brown rice
1/8 t. lemon peel
pepper
A handful of parsley, finely chopped
fresh spinach

I love this dish because I can use as much or as little of each thing according to my pantry.

Put everything except rice, parsley, and spinach in the blender with add enough bean broth to thin out the bean purée to the desired consistency. Stir in the rice, chopped parsley, and spinach. Return to heat long enough to wilt spinach.

Fagioli all’uccelletto over Polenta

2 c. cooked white beans
1/2 c. dry polenta, soaked in 2 c. lime water
1/4 t. dried sage
1 small onion, pureed
3 cloves of garlic, pressed
1pt. tomatoes, pureed
A handful of parsley, finely chopped
fresh spinach

Over the lowest heat, cook onions, garlic, and sage, cooking until golden about 20 min. Add tomatoes and beans, continuing to cook for 20 minutes. During last 2 min add parsley and spinach.

In a large pot bring the polenta to a boil, whisking continually. Turn the heat to low and cook, stirring often until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Turn out onto 3-4 plates to cool slightly.

When beans are ready, ladle over the plates of polenta. Garnish with a few twists of freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Piatto Povoro

4 medium potatoes (or) 1-2 c. cooked brown rice, added at end of cooking time
1 large onion, pureed
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small head cabbage, chopped
1 t. savory
1 t. basil
1 pt. tomatoes
2 c. cooked white beans
4 c. onion or vegetable broth
pepper
apple cider vinegar
A handful of parsley, finely chopped

Over low heat, cook garlic and onions until golden about 2o min. Add cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer for 60 min. Put in bowls. Stir 1t. apple cider vinegar into each bowl. Top with a couple twists of pepper and a bit of parsley.

Pumpkin Tomato Basil Soup (I'll omit the mushrooms and zucchini this time and leave some of the white beans whole.)

1 small sugar pumpkin, seeded, peeled, and cut in chunks.
2 pts. diced tomato
4 c. onion or vegetable broth
8 carrots, peeled and grated
3 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
12 oz. mushrooms, sliced
2 T. minced fresh basil or 2 t. dried
1 bunch kale, chopped finely
2-3 small zucchini, chopped
pinch cayenne pepper
1 c. cooked white beans

Put all ingredients except mushrooms, kale, basil, chia seeds, and beans in a crock pot on low heat for 4-6 hours. When pumpkin is very soft, put beans, a small amount of the broth, and chia seeds in the blender, and puree. When this is smooth, puree the rest of the soup in batches, returning it to the pot. Add basil and kale. Dry saute mushrooms and zucchini covered with 1 t. dried basil until golden. Ladle soup into bowls and top with mushroom mixture as you would croutons. Soup freezes well without kale, mushrooms or zucchini. Add them fresh, after thawing and warming

an herbalists first aide kit

2011-09-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

Although this is the bag I really want, I have a more practical, less expensive solution. I designed this for my son to take on his mission and then made one for myself.

small travel bag from a discount store

Center section unzip to show large gauze pads, thermal blanket, and rain pancho.

One side pouch holds various gauze pads, butterfly closures, bandages, eye cup, bandana, and feminine pad for big bleeds.

The other side pouch holds cotton balls, tongue depressors for salves, cayenne for bleeding, cotton swabs, hand sanitizer, exam gloves, tweezers, and a whistle.

Center pouch holds a plethora of goodies.

Self stick wraps, gauze roll, lower bowel for constipation, valerian for anxiety and insomnia, cold pack...

...glandular salve for sore throats and swollen glands, complete tissue and bone for any fungus, broken skin-eve deep cuts, or bruise, cayenne heat for sore muscles...

...garlic oil to kill germs in many situations and soothe ear aches, cayenne tincture for shock and bleeding, herbal eyebright for cleaning eyes, lobelia to induce vomiting and ease breathing, lavender for insect bites and calming...


sarsaparilla for urinary tract infection and excess female bleeding, pau d'arco for abdominal bloating, pain, and inflammation, ear and nerve to ease ear ache, x-ceptic for irrigating cuts, lower bowel because all disease and sickness begins in the colon...

Additionally, I carry a bottle of distilled water for irrigation/hydration and Herbs to the Rescue in case I'm the sick one, when I travel. If I had the bigger bag, I would include a few more things like tea tree oil, betinite clay for a million uses, slippery elm for a million uses, activated charcoal, and my favorite burn cream made with comfrey, wheat germ oil, and honey. The burn cream is magic; I've seen it work wonders. I suppose I will consolidate my big bag of lower bowel and valerian to accommodate the above.

leisure at home

2011-09-08T05:09:00.001-06:00

Summer Porch by Kevin Liang I hope someday to build a home with an invitation to come and sit awhile similar to this.

Lydia at Home Living posted a nice piece on the luxury of home life. I quite agree and have grown to love simple, quiet, home life. Although we travel quite a bit, I have come to the conclusion that there is more joy staying home. We are moving away from always running off for this or that lifestyle. I find that my work is my leisure and vice versa; it's hard to see where one starts and the other begins. I love to cook, sew, wash dishes and clothes, sweep, dust, vacuum, play violin, study, research, write, mentor mothers and scholars, and garden.

Making The New Pantry Principle Work

2011-09-04T07:57:00.001-06:00

I can't please everyone. In the Original Pantry Principle, I had so many complaints about the menus that I eliminated them. When I revised it, I instead included a tutorial on creating menus. Now I have people complaining about that. Anyway, the ideas are basically the same: home production, eat from food storage, utilize leftovers, be frugal, plan ahead to eliminate waste and conserve energy/time, buy in bulk, eat seasonally, etc. Except now the book has been re-tooled for a healthy plant centered diet. This is how I do it.

Using the idea of 'Piato Povero' (plant-centered, ethnic, peasant food), I assign each day of the week an ethnicity or idea: Soup, Mediterranean, Mexican, Mock Pasta, Pot of Beans, Sorta Pizza, and Asian. Then I go through my recipes and decide which ones work with the current season, what is at the farmer's market, and what is in my garden (slim pickings right now.) I shop for things not in my food storage and make a couple salad dressings, a pot or two of beans, a pot of rice, and a pot or two of soup. It's not a big production at all. In fact it is quite calming and centering. I embrace the slow life for sure. Soaking grains and beans and putting them on to slow cook takes only minutes a day. However, with this bit of planning, I can put together a meal in 20 minutes or less. Fast food doesn't have to be covered with grease or come in a paper sack.

Breakfasts- Green Smoothies (not using berries anymore to cut costs)

Lunches-Leftovers or Lentil Soup

Monday-Polenta Fagolli

Tuesday- Tostada Salad

Wednesday-Raw Zucchini Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic Marinara and steamed dilly cabbage

Thursday- Navy Beans and Southern Greens (yummy with pepper vinegar)

Friday-Polenta Pizza

Saturday-Thai Ginger cabbage and carrots with red and brown rice and baked tofu

Sunday-Vegan French Onion with white beans and shredded cabbage

I'll make a big pot of navy beans for M, Th, and S and a small pot of pintos for T. Plus, I'll make a big pot of lentil soup and mixed brown and red rice. Finally, I'll make a small batch of onion soup and one of tofu. Each day I'll work on sprouting, which I can do without the rigamarole and attention required of my indoor micro-garden. I'll shop for cabbage, carrots, fruit, lettuce (sniff-miss my indoor garden like crazy), peppers, and jicama (doubtful) at the farmer's market. Tomatoes, kale, basil, parsley, onions, garlic, and chard come from my garden, while zucchini comes from the neighbor. Bananas come from the grocer, which I'll freeze for my smoothies. I buy organic bulk beans, flax, nuts, seeds, corn, and rice online. I'll remember to soak blue corn meal in lime water for on S and Th for M and F polenta.

Cooking this way takes less time. Also, I save money and my health, because it heads off those silly trips to lousy restaurants.

be and do

2011-08-12T07:07:00.000-06:00

“What manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27)

Jesus wants us to be as He is. Elder Robbins makes a great point. To become as Jesus is, we must also do the things Jesus did: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21). This does not imply that we are saved by works, as so many non-LDS say we believe. Rather, to understand Jesus and why He commands us to do certain things, we must take time to develop Christ-like character by doing the things He did. "To be and to do are inseparable." Just as we cannot learn to play the piano by reading about it and watching others do it, we simply cannot become Christ-like in our actions unless we do as Jesus did. We can talk until we are blue in the face about the power of prayer. However, until we actually put the doctrine to the test it is only chatter.

Mother Theresa didn't believe her acts of charity would save her. She did these things, because she understood be and do are synonymous. Having charity for God's children, she was inspired to do something to help them. In the process, she developed Christ-like character. But she still needed repentance, faith, prayer, acceptance of Jesus' grace, etc. She could not save herself, but through her charity that opened hearts, she was an instrument in Jesus hands to save others.

a little how-to with our ah-ha

2011-08-11T07:11:00.000-06:00

If you have been a reader here long, you know I like to write about what I read or hear. This morning during my devotional, I listened to a recent Conference talk by Lynn G. Robins, What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye Be? As he progressed, I said over and over to myself. Oh, that would be a great topic to discuss. The light went on. It will be the subject of my next several articles here. With all my heart I believe what he writes is gospel truth. Sometimes, though we need a little how-to with our ah-ha.

If you like, go ahead and read his short talk today. Then get ready for some great discussion on the principles.

Oh, heavenly days!

2011-08-10T06:45:00.001-06:00

OK....so I have a serious problem. I'm addicted to reading and collecting cookbooks. Although I use them to cook with, my favorite cookbook activity is simply reading them. First of all, I try to keep consumption down so I don't get too round. Reading a cookbook is almost as good as eating. Second, I can't turn my back on a good book, and cookbooks are my best friends.

I ran into a problem lately. Since I was introduced to Eat to Live, I've changed everything about my diet. Last night we ate a seriously delicious Sesame StirSteam with Baked Tofu over brown rice. Oh, heavenly days! Food does not have to be highly processed and fat filled to be delicious. Anyway, for a couple years, I held on to my old collection until I realized recently they were taking up too much of my precious shelf space with zero usage. Out they went.

Now I have a nice shelf to fill with new friends. I think my next kitchen partner is going to be Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes. The author, Isa Moskowitz has written lots of unhealthy, fattening vegan recipe books. Strange, but it is possible to get fat and unhealthy on a vegan diet if you don't focus on greens and beans. That's what this prolific vegan author did with her previous books and eating habits. Since there is a very generous sampling of the pages at Amazon, I've tried a couple things and am very impressed. Anyway, I'm looking forward to buying this one soon.

grandma's secret

2011-08-07T09:14:00.001-06:00

Grandma's Secret

I feel as if my Father in Heaven handed me a gift Thursday. My grandmother, who was so sick last week, was full of life once again. Actually, I've never seen her so animated. She told lots of stories and laughed like a young woman. Oygen makes a lot of difference, but that's not Grandma's secret.

Although I've heard the story of her first sewing project before, she went into great detail and fascinated us all. Her mother bought their first sewing machine right around Grandma's 4th or 5th birthday. Grandma was so enamored by it, she couldn't stay away from it. She told the story of how her mother look two yards of fabric. Cut curves along the side to make sleeves and side seams. Then she cut a neck hole. Grandma proudly sewed up the sides on the machine. Then she finished the seams, neckline, and hem by hand. Great-Grandma allowed Grandma to sew on as much ric-rac as she wanted. She loved wearing her butterfly dress with a satin sash. I'm going to work on a tutorial for the butterfly dress.

Another thing that perplexes me about Grandma is her health. She has suffered from a 'weak' heart since childhood. Yet she has outlived all her 'healthy' friends and siblings. She attributes it to the doctors, but I know lots of people that frequent doctors and die miserable deaths. The difference I see in Grandma is her choices. She chooses to make friends without being judgmental. She accepts the weaknesses and shortcomings of her family and friends. She is giving, friendly, optimistic, frugal, and accommodating. She told me once the secret to her happiness lies in the advice she gained by reading In His Steps as a young girl of nine. Long before WWJD became a catch phrase, Grandma asked herself this question before doing almost everything. In short, she has discovered that Charity, the pure love of Christ, heals the recipient and the giver alike.

Since Joseph and I have made a commitment to quit working and have family time each night at 6 and all day on Saturdays, we are always on the look out for games, nature walks, and books to share. In His Steps might be the perfect choice this week.

choosing the best

2011-08-04T05:22:00.000-06:00

With all the anxiety of my grandmother gone, yesterday felt much more peaceful. I finished a killer cartography video, a very nice week’s worth of grammar/comp videos/lessons and fun new science unit. I love this stuff. Now if I could just loose my title of Typo Queen, we would be all set. I will choose to be happy.

Today will be a busy day visiting my grandma, mom, and dad. I plan to finish uploading yesterday's work, write an art history lesson, and get out of here by 9:30.

The giant heater fans they used to dry up the flood are finally gone. Ahh, peace....Dry walling is scheduled to commence Friday. So far I highly recommend Day and Night for restoration work. After the job is complete, I can make a better judgment.

I made this for dinner last night, since I wanted a salad but not the usual sort. This salad can be served hot or cold. This is a family favorite--well, at least our little caboose family. It is fast, easy, nutritious, yummy, and perfect for a hot summer night. I love to show my love for my family by preparing the best delicious, nutritious food that tastes much better than anything from a restaurant.

Buckwheat Soba with Cabbage and Sesame

Serves: 2-4

Traditional fast food with a prep time of 15 minutes

4 oz 100% whole buckwheat soba noodles (can substitute cooked red or black rice)

½ medium head of cabbage, sliced very thinly (1/8 in) like iceberg lettuce for tacos

2 carrots, shaved with peeler into strips

6 shitake mushrooms, sliced

1 c. edamame beans
2 T. sesame seeds + 1 teaspoon

1-2 T. water
½ c. chopped green onions

t. toasted sesame oil

1 t. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1T. fresh orange juice orange juice

Put a pot of water on to boil. During the time you are waiting for the water to boil, prepare all veggies. Heat the large frying pan (or wok) over medium heat. When water boils, put soba noodles in, stir, and set timer for 5 min. In the frying pan, toast sesame seeds until a couple of the sesame seeds pop-about 1-2 min. Add the veggies and 1 T. water, and cook until cabbage looks limp, stirring frequently-about 3 min. Add more water if it begins to stick. Drain the noodles well and coat with sesame oil, orange juice, and Braggs. Add the noodles to the cabbage mixture, heating through. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dollop of chili past. This looks and tastes delicious. It can be served cold, so makes a great picnic meal.

With a dessert of strawberries, it is a GOMBS delight that would make Dr. Fuhrman proud.

this and that

2011-08-03T06:41:00.002-06:00

Grandma made it through the surgery last night. If all went well during the night, she'll go home this morning. In a couple weeks, she'll go back in for another heart procedure. Although she has been sick with a bad heart all her life, she has outlived all her friends and siblings. It must be her optimism and cheerful nature. That's the only thing that makes sense. Now that the crisis is over, I hope to see my mom and dad. I'm so focused sometimes that I neglect others.

I'm failing utterly with my web school. What I thought was a great product and innovative delivery system doesn't seem to be good enough. Although I know my writing is led by inspiration, I'm not sure I can handle the pressure anymore. I almost hate to get up in the morning and check the forum. Nevertheless, each day after accommodating changes, I get into writing and making videos. This part is delightful and quite fulfilling. My strength lies in creation not administration. Well....I'm not sure that is true either. I've mentored lots of young people with no complaints--so I'm not sure what the problem is. Maybe my title of typo-queen is a bit irritating.

The insurance adjuster will allow replacing the flooring in our flooded guestroom/bathroom. Hurray! No more carpet in the bathroom. It was worth all the commotion to accomplish this. Next we hope to tile the master bathroom and hallway. After that re-carpeting the front, family, dining, and bedrooms is on the list. An estate sale to clear out all the excess trinkets and unwanted furniture should complete the job. Since we live in estate sale heaven, we'll look for things that suit our needs for rock bottom prices. We furnished out home in UT after we returned form HA through Sun City, AZ estate sales. It's amazing the lovely, newish, quality furniture you can pick up for pennies.

I made a big pot of pintos yesterday. They appeared last night as a spicy pinto soup. We had a great salad with yummy Asian dressing and pineapple for dessert. I found the most delightful Asian market very close to my home here. It is like Disney Japan for foodies. I found red and jasmine rices, organic miso, sesame oil, natural rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and my favorite chili paste. The prices were so great I had a hard time restraining myself. I'll go back, when I have more time.

a very nice day

2011-08-02T06:02:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a very nice day.

I spent some time in the morning visiting with my grandma. Again we laughed and shared our love with each other. All my life this has been the way of the women in my family. We visit.

I bought some organic veggies and cleaned out the refrigerator. This house won't feel like it's mine until we clean it out. There is a lot to dejunk. But the fridge looks great anyway.

In the afternoon, we had dinner with my SIL and BIL, who are leaving for a mission Thursday. The missionary who baptized the parents 50 years ago is the president of the San Diego temple. They are going to be ordinance workers there until December. It's a short mission, but they couldn't go in May as planned. My MIL was dying at that time. So the whole thing was postponed.

I spent all the minutes between these events sprucing up my website and making a new video. Every time I get discouraged, all I have to do is create new material. It assures me that this project is inspired and good. Because some of the things the ladies ask for would take re-writing the whole project, I'm not sure how to make everyone happy. Since I can't make them all happy, I'll keep trying to serve in the best way I know how. The content is better than good and should do the job once everyone is settled down.

The evening found Joseph and I playing games for FHE. Our Scrabble games saw some great words like wasabi, ovum, and wielded. For the first time, our chess game was an impasse. I'm getting much better at seeing the whole board and calculating future moves. Maybe someday I can actually win. Although I'm not a competitive type person and don't care to 'win' per se, I like progressing with hard things. Then we read scripture before bed and ate our treat, grapefruit.

sacrifice need not be sorrowful

2011-07-31T20:04:00.001-06:00

I had a delightful visit with my grandmother today. We talked and laughed, but all too soon I felt it time to leave. I didn't want to tire her. After all, she is 94 with a weak heart.

We talked about living by the ocean. I lived near Kailua beach on Oahu. She lived on the beach in San Diego during WWII. It's so amazing to listen to her stories. While living in a tiny apartment on the beach with 2 children and pregnant with twins, her brother and husband worked at a munitions factory. In this one bedroom apartment, Jack and the oldest child (John, then about 3) bunked in the tiny bedroom. The toddler slept in a crib in the corner of the living room and G & G slept on the Murphy bed in the living room. After the twins came along, they didn't fit and moved away from the beloved beach to El Cajon in the mountains.

They lived in a little two bedroom house, but by now grandma's father was also part of the household and a munitions worker. Because it was lovely California, everyone came to visit. Grandma laughed and laughed as she related how one week 18 people packed themselves into the tiny house. Grandpa's twin brother arrived with his wife and two tiny children. The next day another brother showed up unexpectedly with his wife and four children. Day beds and pull out couches accommodated the extra couples, while children packed onto pallets and into playpens. She said nobody thought anything of it, and all had a great time.

She talked about being born during horse and buggy days. Laughing she said not many people alive today can boast being run over by a buggy. The story goes that she and her little sister Hazel went on a trip from Oklahoma to Illinois with their uncle. Upon climbing out of the buggy, the horse lurched, she fell, and the buggy rolled right over her back. No doctor could be found to examine her, so the vet looked her over and pronounced her fit. The relatives were all in a panic that Fred and Kate's daughter had broken her back. But everything turned out all right.

Because we share so much in common with our big families, she taught me so much over the years. I never tire of her stories, since they give me a glimpse into her remarkable life. Grandma loved her family and never minded sacrificing a little comfort to serve them. Still today on her fixed income, she loves to take us out for lunch but never lets us pay. It brings her so much joy to do small things for those she loves. She always has something nice to say and tries to turn the conversation towards the positive, when we forget Thumper's words.

As a young girl, I sat by her elbow for hours on end watching her sew. She was a fine seamstress until breast cancer took her pectoral muscle and the use of her right arm 30 years ago. I believe its her positive attitude that allowed her to overcome cancer and so many other maladies. She was not supposed to live long as a sickly child and youth. But here she is today, having outlived all her family and friends.

we can travel and work anywhere we go

2011-07-30T06:44:00.000-06:00

Traveling is wonderful but also trying for me. I pack lightly and efficiently as far as my wardrobe and beautification needs go. But after that, I'm sort of out of control. Since I need to work where ever I go and can't afford to have multiple libraries at our various residences, I must bring a lot.

Like I said, the suit case is down to an art. I have a little bag with essentials like shampoo and toothpaste that is always ready to go. I refill the little bottles after each trip. Because my wardrobe is minimalistic and I keep the laundry done, all this can be packed in 10 minutes.

I'm writing books on various science, history, English, adult living, and gosepl topics and must take all my research resources. That means I have a large rubbermaid container filled with books that takes up half the back seat. Also, I'm recording videos on sewing, geography, and other topics, making it imperative that my sewing machine, computer, and video equipment go along as well. Since I must have music, my violin and music books come along. I wish the piano was portable, sigh....My husband is the same with his personal suit case. Unfortunately, he also works wherever we go. He brings files, books and computers, which fill the whole trunk. Add to all this our special diet, requiring our vita-mix, juicer, and a cooler with lunch. It's a good thing we don't camp on our vacations, or we would have to bring a trailer just to hold our household. It is a blessing that we can travel and work anywhere we go, but we look ridiculous unpacking the car.

areas of delight

2011-07-28T06:21:00.003-06:00

This dress is very easy to sew and would be suitable for teaching a little girl to sew her first dress. However, she ought to learn to do a bit of hand sewing, sew on a button, make a simple pillow, drawstring bag, and an elastic waist gingham skirt on the machine first. Any five year old can make this pattern after the above skills are practiced. I know it's possible because I've taught many five-year-old girls and boys to sew. I added a couple inches to the length. Oh, and one other thing--don't follow the directions with the sleeves on any pattern. Sew them onto the dress before you sew up the side seams. It's much easier and looks better, too.

Over the years, I've made a concerted effort to learn to love my work. Now I can say I really do love every aspect of homemaking. Every aspect---that is also why I learned to work like my Grandma Downen. She did her work joyfully but efficiently, leaving ample opportunity to crochet afghans, make jelly, fellowship, and sew dresses. Although I was never around for their jelly bees, my grandmother and aunts in California made plum jelly from Aunt Betty's Santa Rosa tree every year. These women made an effort to make family important by finding many ways to spend time together. They also crocheted dozens of afghans each year for their church bazaar. Grandma studied butterflies and had quite a collection. She was the ultimate example of homemaker. Efficiency and counting her blessings allowed her to follow personal interests for pleasure and relaxation. No, homemaking is not drudgery nor unfulfilling if we learn the secrets to making it a joyful occupation/vocation.

One of my first personal interests for pleasure and relaxation was homeschooling. True, I was anything but efficient, when I began. Lack of resources and know-how made it anything but pleasurable and relaxing in the beginning. As I learned the secrets my grandma must have known, it became my greatest joy for a season. But our numbers dwindled, and I was forced into retirement. Or was I?

I made a hobby of mentoring mothers and youth through my blogs and web schools. To my delight, this new interest built upon my old love has brought much pleasure, and it is making a difference in the world in a small way. However, lately I forgot to apply my theories of efficiency and picked up a weight of stress almost too heavy to bear.

Remembering this truth this week, my spirit once again sings and my mind is at ease. My early hours were spent in devotions and exercise. Then the usual breakfast, micro-farming, and area chores took my time, while I listened to an audio book (right now it's Durant's Story of Civilization, which is fine for mothers but not for youth. He's much to socialist, feminist, and atheistic for them.) After writing a music history lesson and half an ancient history lesson yesterday, I cut out and sewed a little dress with matching bag for a dear granddaughter. It is nearly finished, only lacking sleeves and hem (plus the bag). Since she is my grandchild of the week, I'll send her a letter (Grammy's Mini-Magazine), a couple of books, and this dress/bag ensemble.

While my special interests are mentoring, writing, sewing, music, and grandchildren, yours might take other forms. However, if you change your mind about the whole efficient, organized homemaking thing, you will find more joy and less guilt in pursuing areas of delight whatever they may be.

a privilege

2011-07-27T07:35:00.003-06:00

Now that the stress of opening week is behind me, I'm taking a bit of time to sew. I've decided to work on homemaking routine and web school stuff in the AM. Afterwards, I get to spend time drawing, walking, gardening, studying, and sewing~and more writing if I desire.

Yes, I did it. I made a pretty, blue, cotton dress yesterday with domestic calico from South Carolina as Lydia suggested. I also discovered something wonderful. When I sew or draw or study as a privilege, it feels entirely different. There is no need to rush through a project, because it is a joy. The doing is just as enjoyable as the finishing. Now that's something.

The flowers are from my hubby~just because he loves me.

men’s hearts failing

2011-07-26T07:28:00.001-06:00

Your Money or Your Life I read this book years ago and it changed my life on a very deep level. Learning to be frugal for financial independence, my ideas about keeping up with the Jones' was destroyed. This was a very good thing. So why am I talking about this book today?

In my e-school, I have a particularly singular six year study for secondary students. It focuses on many aspects of embracing adulthood, which is quite a problem today. If you haven't noticed, across the board young men and even some young women are entering a new phase of childhood called pre-adulthood. This is not a good trend. Young men refuse to commit to marriage and other responsibilities of adult life~they simply won't put away childish things. If they are lucky enough to find a husband, many young women cannot seem to care for their children and homes. It seems that the signs of the Second Coming is coming true. "Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:26 "And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;" Moses 7:33 With all my heart, I believe with proper training of the heart and head, we can help more of the rising generation embrace adulthood in the manner that has always brought true and lasting happiness.

Personal Finance is one aspect of my course, and I am re-reading many of the old classics that changed my thinking in this area. It doesn't start or stop here but is an exciting resource for avoiding advanced adolescence. Researching, thinking, and writing are giving me a lot to think about in many subjects.

under advisement

2011-07-25T06:23:00.000-06:00

I have been considering Lydia's new post. I have the pattern she talks about and am considering view A without the ruffles at ballet length. With all our traveling and multiple climate needs, I'd like to simplify with her idea of a dress, an apron, and a jacket. The dress could be sewn in a few basic colors maybe with a delicate print. The simple jacket pattern below would be perfect if I lengthen it to my natural waist in no-whale corduroy. Aprons, I have plenty. Today I'll walk down to Joann's to see what domestic cottons I can find. Lydia says her favorite cottons are from South Carolina. Certainly, they must be a better quality than imports.

Since I'll see Grandma in a couple weeks, I'll wait to consult her on pattern adjustment. I measure a 14 but can hardly believe that is accurate. I need advisement.

creativity captured me

2011-07-24T06:38:00.002-06:00

Last night I was home alone and had zero motivation to cook for myself. I thought about drinking a quart of water, eating an apple, and calling it good. As usual, when I'm conflicted, a scripture kept running through my mind. "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:17 Also, my square-inch, micro-farm is teaming with fresh micro-greens that I don't want to go to waste. I decided I'd just eat a big salad of sunflower and lentil greens. Clipping away, I started thinking about the bumper crop of basil just outside the door in my square foot garden. Creativity captured me.

Soon after, I was eating 'linguine' with a light pesto, a micro-green salad with orange, sesame, miso dressing, and cantaloupe for dessert. What started out as a lonely stretch of empty hours, turned out to be a fulfilling, happy, and delicious evening. Creating, dining, and dishes fulfilled a need in my soul that is indescribable.

I have never made pesto without some sort of fat binder and garlic, but this was the best I've ever tasted. It was so simple, fresh, and light.

Simple Light Pesto

1 c. basil leaves
1/2 t. Mrs. Dash
1/4 c. hot water

Blend in a magic bullet until smooth. Mix into zucchini linguine. Top with nutritional yeast and a twist of black pepper. Enjoy!

Orange, Sesame, Miso Dressing

1 T. white miso
1 T. apple cider vinegar
2 T. water
1 t. honey
1 t. toasted sesame oil
1 orange
1 T. sesame seeds
1 scallion, minced
1 T. flax seeds

Blend in magic bullet until smooth. Allow to chill for 30 min. Of course you can eat it right away, but the flavors won't be as smooth and the flax won't have time to thicken it.

#31-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-21T08:35:00.001-06:00

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1

To wrap up all of Mary and Martha's challenges, I would like to offer the most important one. Will we be wise and build up our families, or will we be foolish and destroy the beautiful gift we've been given by our Father in Heaven? It is a choice. Every word, every act, every choice, every expression, every mood can be controlled by our free agency. On the other hand, we can abdicate our roles and agency by justifying poor behavior: yelling, laziness, procrastination, meanness, spanking, slamming doors, stink eye, lethargy, anger, impatience, arrogance, pride, tyranny, and so forth. Instead we can give heed to the words of Peter and find light and happiness.

"ye wives...behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear [reverence]. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:1-4

This idea is not easy but is worth every effort.

#30-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-20T04:43:00.001-06:00

"The aged women likewise [sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience (from verse 2)], that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

Keepers at home can be teachers of good things. Keepers at home show love to their children and husband. Mothers who choose to keep the home and teach these things to their children actually show a different, deep love for their children. They affect many generations down the line with their actions. Sometimes hubby dear witnesses the tremendous amount of fun his wife and children are having together and joins in. This is persuasion, patience and long-suffering in action~the highest and truest form of love.

Mary and Martha Together: We've traveled quite a journey together these last few weeks. Even if you haven't accepted the challenges, you've read them and internalized some of the ideas. Our challenge today is to study and memorize 1 Corinthians 13 and then Doctrine and Covenants 121:39-44. Adopt Paul's illustration of the pure love of Christ and the Savior's revelation about authority (remember reprove means teach, sharpness refers to the scriptures=teach with the scriptures). Memorize and institute the words of Gordon B. Hinckley. "Parents do not spank your children. Talk to them they will listen." Learn to communicate instead of dictate. These goals may take a lifetime, but that's why we are here. As in the illustration above, don't expect miracles over night. However, charity, persuasion, and gentle communication are the only way to get true, long-lasting results within the family.

So many want to be their husband's mother instead of his wife. We are not there to train or change him~he already had a mother and instead needs a companion. He is the head and she the heart~one cannot live without the other. Nor is one more important than the other; they are equal with different roles. It is right to obey the righteous requests of the husband. Just as it is right for him to counsel with the wife. Once again good communication, righteous use of authority, and charity are vital. As a wife, it is a privilege and duty to learn to get along and even thrive within this body called the family.

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40)...Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home." L. Tom Perry, Mother's Teaching Children in the Home

#29-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-19T05:17:00.000-06:00

Quilting Bee, Henry Mosler (1841 – 1920)

"The aged women likewise [sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience from verse 2], that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

This commandment to women covers a lot of ground that echoes Paul's writings to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 13.) If we look closely, there are a few differences that apply specifically to females. Over the last few days of our makeover, I'd like to discuss them. Today let's consider false accusation and discretion. How often do we like to gossip or exaggerate the story a bit for the interest of our audience? According to Paul, older women like me need to especially guard against this to be taken seriously by youngest women. Nevertheless, I don't think it's a problem we develop after the children are grown.

Mary and Martha Together: Think before you speak. Consider your conversations. Are they true? Are they kind? Do they edify and strengthen? Are they gossip? Are the necessary or just idle chatter? Just because it can be said, doesn't mean it should be said. Surely, we can things to talk about that don't injure the character of another.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:26

"Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm." Doctrine and Covenants 42:27

"Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another..." Doctrine and Covenants 88:124

"Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings." Doctrine and Covenants 108:7

"...let your words tend to edifying one another." Doctrine and Covenants 136:24

My oldest daughter's Sunbeam teacher, Cindy, was also my friend. Barely out of my teens, I looked up to this older woman of 25. One evening she hosted several couples for games and goodies. As the conversation turned to a new juicy piece of gossip, she covered her ears. She said she didn't want to hear anything bad about anyone. This was a new concept to me. Not having grown up in the church, I suppose I missed the lessons on gossip. Cindy did not. She incorporated the commandment and made it part of her life. Let us be as bold as Cindy in stopping unedifying speech and refusing to listen to harmful, idle chatter.

#28-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-19T05:10:00.015-06:00

"But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." John 20:11-16

My Sunday School teacher is an amazing scholar. Even so, he is different than most learned men I've known. His insatiable hunger for learning and the hours he has spent studying classics and scripture have humbled him. Not puffed up, he instead shares what he learns with the fiery spirit of God. Weeping through his lessons, he pulls little pieces of the four gospels together to paint rich pictures of the life and times of Jesus.

For instance, yesterday our lesson dealt with the resurrection. He read the above incident out loud and explained. The Mary in this verse is the sister of Martha, who worshiped at Jesus feet instead of helping with meal prep. Even though she and Jesus were good friends; even though Jesus raised her brother from the dead; even though she spent much time with Him, she didn't know Him in His Godly form until He spoke her name. This made me weep.

Nevertheless, on some levels this is comforting. Praying, studying, and attempting to gain a relationship with the Savior, I am still far from a perfect servant. I may only know Him from my point of view. I might not recognize Him, when I see Him. However, hopefully, He will recognize in me a willing heart and a repentant spirit.

Mary and Martha Together: While we are working on a new room this week, invite the Savior in. Choose that good part, which shall not be taken away from you. It is more than studying for a Sunday School lesson or holding family prayer. It is finding Him.

How is this to be done? Certainly, studying His life and praying are a step in the right direction. Standing as a witness, you find ways to share what you learn and testify of these things. Bring Him into your home physically, visually, auditorally, and spiritually with family activities, pictures, music, and changing your own spirit. Decorating with the spirit is more than surface deep. It permeates the atmosphere.

Additionally, I want to share this delightful story of a little girl who stood as a witness of Jesus Christ. In a recent Sacrament Meeting, a dear sister related a conversation she had with her little daughter. I hope I have the details straight. The little girl asked if they could decorate the house with party streamers. Upon inquiry, the little girl said, I want to make things nice for our celebration. Mother asked, what celebration? The little girl went on. Tomorrow is the Sabbath, and I want to celebrate it right. Very Sweet. This little girl has the right idea. The Sabbath is something to cherish and celebrate. The Savior's Day is not something to be taken lightly.

#27-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-18T07:06:00.003-06:00

Girl with Watering Can (Renoir)

"Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;" Jerimiah 29:5

I love this scripture....Yesterday, I mentioned growing herbs and radishes indoors. I have done this off and on for years. Since I was gone so much this winter caring for sick folks, my window sills are barren. This won't last long. For years I've dreamed of building a low shelf for a front window garden....but things are a bit up in the air for now. So I'll content myself to with the top shelves of my micro-farm and my kitchen sill.

Mary and Martha Together: You need a container about 4-6 inches deep. It can be any sort of container you have around the house: disposable spinach tubs, rubber maid bins, hypertufa planters, or anything that catches your imagination. I especially like to line wicker baskets and plant in them. Use what you already have. It doesn't need drainage holes. You need a bag of good dirt plus garden seeds for herbs (or starts), lettuce, and radishes. Don't forget a few flowers, too. I you have a fairy spirit, add a few whimsical miniatures to make it appear as a fairy garden.

Since my operation has gotten so big, I found that fertilizing with liquid kelp and Azomite clay work fantastically well. (You can get Azomite from Amazon, but it is much cheaper to find it in your area and pay pennies on the dollar.) Plant your seeds, water them, and wait for them to grow. An east or north facing window is very nice, but any light source will do. In a Willa Cather book, one of the main characters put cardboard between her precious garden and the window at night during winter. This I suppose is to protect tender plants from frost bite. Keep soil moist but don't drench. Fertilize monthly and enjoy. Part of living on earth is learning to find joy and happiness in spite of our circumstances. Gardening is a joyfully spiritual experience for me, because "good things which come of the earth...please the eye and to gladden the heart..."

This is the best dirt I've ever found for indoor gardening, and I've tried lots of brands.

#26-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-17T09:59:00.000-06:00

It's time to get the children involved, too. Family dinners are much more successful, when children are chef's helpers.

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:25

I've always been a big home storage buff. Being a natural (not naturally tidy, but naturally cumbered) Martha, my biggest fear as a young mother was the possibility of listening to the crying of my hungry children. Therefore, the commandment to store food has been a constant companion of mine. I know I've talked about this a bit in this post series before, but I have some more thoughts and ideas.

Mary and Martha Together: At the beginning, you were instructed to make chili from cans. Now we are going to learn to cook the old fashioned, frugal way. Not only does cooking with natural unprocessed ingredients taste better, you get much more food for much less money. The following soup can be made with things from food storage plus some fresh things from your window sill garden. Oh, didn't we start that yet. We'll look into it tomorrow.

Mexican Soup (aka Sorta Tortilla Soup)

First, soak 1/2 lb. pinto beans for 24-48 hours. (It is quite easy to double this recipe, which I do often. I love a big pot of soup in the fridge for easy lunches.)

In your crock pot, cook these beans on low heat for several hours until very tender. (To make a live product, get a plug in dimmer wall switch and keep the temp lower than 120F.) You can now cool and put these in the fridge or make this soup immediately.

Make salsa with the following or use a quart or so of home canned salsa.
3-4 fresh diced tomatoes or 1 quart home canned tomatoes
1 or 2 fresh or dried, serrano peppers (optional)
1 onion or and bunch of green onions
1 clove garlic
5 or 6 minced radishes
1 bell pepper (if in season, use fresh-if out of season, add dried to your bean pot)
1 bunch cilantro
2 t. Hungarian sweet paprika

2 c. cooked brown or red rice

Mix and warm the beans, salsa, and rice. Garnish with sliced avocado, if they are in season. Radish slices are another traditional Mexican Garnish, and radishes are always in season on your kitchen counter.

This is delicious. If you haven't noticed yet, I don't cook with salt. There is a predisposition in my family toward stroke. High salt diets exacerbate this tendency. Add salt if you must, but you will be healthier if you get used to eating your meals without it. You can add tortillas to your soup if you wish. I leave them out to save my waist line. Instead of filling up on tortillas, make delicious cabbage and micro-green salad with peppers, chilies, cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime juice.

#25-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-16T06:36:00.000-06:00

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:26, 28

The way I raised my oldest children and youngest were night and day. Learning more about the character of Christ and the commandments found in the scripture, I made purposeful choices to do things differently. While I am not perfect and will never be upon this earth, I am like my sweet 85-year-old neighbor across the street. She makes a point of being patient and see good in all. In her presence, you feel welcome as she greets you with kind words. I've recieved many nuggets of wisdom from her. Her son, lives a block away and is our Stake President. Although her husband died last fall, I saw him go down the crooked path into dementia; He followed her like a little child. She is a blessed woman.

In contrast, my youngest son's friend was kicked out of the house this week. The young man was home for summer break from college. As my son helped him gather his belongings, the mother continued to angrily and cuttingly revile against her son. Sadly, he asked the boy how he could live with a mother like that. The young man's crime was reading the Book of Mormon. Because she has not been wise or kind, he does not call her blessed.

So many of the ideas we shared in the study have given us tools for creating a lovely home and a fulfilling family culture. This climactic suggestion will enlarge all your other efforts.

Mary and Martha Together: Look into Homeschooling, which incorporates all the challenges of the last 24 installments. It is the ultimate choice to make Martha's love of homemaking and Mary's love of the Savior merge and magnify into a fulfilling, meaningful life for any stay-at-home mother. Today, I'm opening my new web school, learninghomeschoolmentor.com with lots of original learning resources and hands-on help for homeschooling families. It combines my decades of experience schooling my children with my love of mentoring and learning. Learninghomeschool.com is its companion site with a free content and newsletter TeachME.

I began homeschooling my oldest nearly 30 years ago, because my own school experiences were anything but enlightening. Suffering bullying, experiencing lack of direction, and, finally, accepting apathy, I learned very little during my 12 years in the system except reading, violin, and guitar. In our home, homeschooling provided superior academics, preserved a traditional American world view, promoted Christian values, and protected against school violence. All of my children were homeschooled for varying amounts of time with the youngest never attending school. Interesting to note, the ones that spent the most time with me after my above purposeful choice continually call me blessed. The ones that got more of the bossy, helicopter mom are less prone to do so. It all boils down to choice.

#24-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-13T07:21:00.000-06:00

Renoir girl's piano music

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23

This is another commandment to women that takes a little thought to understand. I've heard it explained that the loyalty of a wife (or mother or sister or aunt or grandmother) can make or break a man's (or child's or sister's or niece's or granddaughter's) chances in life.

Today, in American culture, it is considered acceptable to vent. We complain about our parents, children, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends, and spouses to outsiders in the name of mental health. According to scripture, this cultural practice is wrong and injures others.

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matthew 5:23-24

"If thy brother or sister offend thee thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled." Doctrine and Covenants 42:88

Mary and Martha Together: Our challenge is to break the culturally inspired habit that is really just gossip~a chance at our 15 minutes of fame. Instead of complaining about negative occurrences in our lives, we can brag up our husbands, sisters, parents, brothers, and children before the world. Surely, we can talk about the positive, as easily as we wallowed in the negative. "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all," Thumper. There are so many good things to choose if we but open our eyes. It there is some sort of problem, talk it out. Talking implies listening also. Conflict resolution is a give and take not a yelling match or emotional sword fighting.

#23-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-12T07:37:00.000-06:00

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple." Proverbs 31:21-22

At first glance, this commandment to women seems temporal. Even though all temporal commandments are spiritual as well, this one might be seen as advice for spiritual preparation of the family. Certainly, Mary and Martha have layed by bolts of cloth for an unseen emergency, but spiritual clothing does more to eliminate fear than any wool coat or denim skirt.

Mary and Martha Together: Children need gospel meat in this confusing time. Only this will save them from the tempter's snares. How then do we deliver it? I spoke a few days ago about the Children's Hour, this is highly important. Children will not fear the outside world if the home is a haven. Further, the Children's Hour needs to include daily time learning gospel doctrine. We have used various resources for this purpose: Scriptures for Latter-day Saint Families Series (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, etc.; Scripture Studies for Latter-Day Saint Families Series (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants), various LDS Institute Manuals. A new study I'd like to attempt is this one by Marmee. Of course with no little children in the home, we would modify it to our own needs. I especially like The 90 Day Encounter with the Book of Mormon aspect of the program. Since my focus this year is on the New Testament and the life of Christ, this melds perfectly. Maybe you aren't ready for something this big. Maybe you are just beginning. One of the highlighted suggestions are wonderful to get a family started.

Dear sisters, you aren't off the hook with your home. Have you maintained your dejunking and beautifying? Continue on this week with another room. Be ruthless with getting rid of excess stuff. Organize what is left. Clean it until it shines. Add some personal touches including reminders of the Savior.

#23-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

This commandment to women has me thinking. Who are the poor and needy? Can a wealthy American be poor and needy? Anyone who is hungry, cold, unsafe, or lonely is poor and needy. Who in my little world is poor and needy? Who in the world can I touch?

I can't go to Africa at this time and feed an orphan, but I can send money to others that are trying to prevent another generation of orphans. JustLikeMyChild.org helps mothers learn healthcare, nutrition, and finances micro-enterprise to prevent the premature death of the mother. This in turn allows mothers to live long enough to raise her children, pull herself out of poverty and send her children to school. The next generation will move even higher on the ladder. It is a fabulous charity that isn't in the business of skimming off donations to enrich themselves.

Another organization that can take my money and turn it into life is LDS Humanitarian Services. Additionally, they allow a more hands-on application of good will. I can make quilts, school kits, hygiene kits, and clothing that are sent to disaster zones and poor people around the world.

Or I can walk across the street and visit a widow.....

Mary and Martha Together: If you have children, one delightful thing to do in July or August is to make school kits. Supplies are at ridiculously low prices. School Bags are easy to make. If you don't have a fabric stash, ask for donations from the older sisters at church. Another great project to do within the family is quilt tying. During your Children's Hour readings, show the children how to tie. While their minds are engaged by your chapter book, let their hands be busy making a warm quilt for a child half a world away. Prayerfully, decide upon the direction your charity to the poor and needy should take. Then act.

#22-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-10T08:09:00.001-06:00

Family enjoying a relaxing evening. I wish we all dressed that way still.

" Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:29-30

"Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed." Exodus 31:16-17

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” Ex. 20:8.

The commandment to women to fear or honor the Lord isn't hard to catch here. Here are two ideas rest and remember. Martha has a little trouble letting worldly concerns rest on the Sabbath.  She is doing better with daily reminders, prayer and  scripture study,  as long as she can still get her work done. Nevertheless, she needs the seventh day to allow the Lord and his work into her heart.To focus on Him completely she needs to learn to rest from her priority list and delight in things of the heart.

Mary, on the other hand, looks forward to the Sabbath as a day of regular repentance and renewing of covenants to help her keep Jesus at the forefront of her daily life. When a day is set aside for visiting the elderly, playing sacred music at a care facility, driving in the country, writing letters to distant friends, relatives, and missionaries, reading good books, performing family concerts, fellowshipping investigators, or taking a nap, we gain protection against spiritual  danger. The Sabbath is hardly a thou shalt not day but instead is filled with thou shalt focus on the Savior. 

Mary and Martha Together: Since these mortal bodies are in need of constant nourishment, prepare a meal on Saturday that can be quickly warmed or make a huge salad. Attend Church. Bring the children along to choir practice (Many of my children sang in the ward choir at age eight.) Engage in a family activity such as a drive or a visit. Fill the dining room table with various lovely stationary, pictures clipped from magazines, drawing paper, colored pencils and crayons, stickers, writing pens, and other correspondence materials. Invite your family members to 'write' letters. Sing hymns and Primary songs around the piano, guitar, or CD player. Make it a day of delight but not a day like the other six days per week. Instead of telling our children (or ourselves) they can't do this or can't do that, fill the day with delightful cans.

#21-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-09T08:39:00.000-06:00

"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." Proverbs 31:17

Yes, Mary and Martha, strengthening our temples is a commandment. We cannot do our work properly or maintain health without regular vigorous exercise. Of course, if M or M is very out of shape or very heavy, she needs to work into this slowly. Walking with the children fits the bill here. Another form of exercise I have come to respect over the last couple years is T Tapp. It is a physical therapy approach to exercise and the CDs are offered for several levels of fitness and ages 4-104. You can do this with your children. Because I have received relief from a painful congenital deformity and an accident that plagued me for years, I have only good things to say about T Tapp.

Mary and Martha Together: Merging these dueling duel personalities was not as hard as you imagined. However, today's challenge is something that both sides fight against. We are ever so comfortable sitting in our chair reading or taking care of the home. Nevertheless, we don't want to move, sweat, or muss up our hair. Since strengthening the body is a commandment, we'll overcome this apathy and build strong bodies. Come up with a doable program and stick with it 6 days a week. when I am feeling especially well, I do T. Tapp in the morning and walk at noon or evening. On days of illness or women's troubles, I do one or the other. I can still be kind to my body and fulfill this commandment.

#20-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-08T08:09:00.006-06:00

Two Ladies At The Beach Sorrola Juaquin y Bastida

"She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." Proverbs 31:18-19

This commandment to women gives some the idea that they are never to rest, never to sleep. On the contrary. Just as we need constant spiritual and physical nourishment, we also need to rest our mortal bodies. Each day contains 3 8-hour periods. One is for work. One is for recreation. One is for rest. This is a very convenient set up. Mix up the work and recreation, which makes for a delightful day.

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." Mosiah 4:27

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"...retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." Doctrine and Covenants 88:124

When it is time for work, we out to work with a will. We ought to learn to love our work and not shirk. Nevertheless, we need to remember to recreate and rest. Recreation includes quiet times along writing letters and devoting time to God, spending time with our family reading scripture, eating meals, taking vacations, and playing games, sharing the gospel with strangers, and fellowshipping with friends. It does not include sitting mindlessly in front of the television. Rest is vitally important to the health of the human frame. Without it we will quickly die or bring ourselves into a diseased state.

Mary and Martha Together: It is time for an attitude adjustment. From now on, never be heard saying 'I hate laundry (or cooking or cleaning or pulling weeds or whathaveyou.)' Instead, when a murmuring, ungrateful spirit attacks, fight back. Replace the negative words with positive. 'I am thankful I have dirty dishes to wash, because that means I had food to eat, dishes to eat that food from, a cozy home to prepare it, a stove, etc.' Do you see the difference? We are grateful to have clothes to wash, a home to clean, children to teach, and so on. We are grateful that we have the health to attend to our work. By now, you are including your children in the work load of the home. Make sure part of every day includes wholesome recreation: the children's hour, scripture study, music, art, nature walks, swimming, playing games, and lots of healthy laughter.

When night comes, be wise enough to put the work and recreation on the shelf. Spend a part of each evening preparing for this important third of your life. Play soothing music. Take a Japanese bath (my newest delight). Moisturize. Brush and floss your teeth. Put on a feminine night gown. Retire to your newly clean, organized, and beautified master bedroom. Perhaps read a chapter in a calming novel. Open the window. Close the room darkening shades. Put in some ear plugs. Then go to sleep well before midnight. This will allow you to rise early, well rested, and ready for a new day of exciting work and recreation. True, this will be modified somewhat if you have a nursing baby. Since babies don't keep, take a nap during the day if need be.

#19-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-07T06:59:00.000-06:00

Two Sisters In The Garden by George Inness

"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16

Women are commanded to keep gardens. Yes, we are. I find such peace in my garden and wonderful joy in its fruits. But July! What sort of garden can you plant in July? It is the perfect time to plant starts for a fall garden. That's good news for me, since I was not in town to plant a summer garden and all my starts died. To plant for fall, start kale, Swiss chard, spinach, carrots, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, leeks, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, beets, radishes, carrots, turnips and garlic in peat pots. Unlike starting summer plants, put these near the window but not in direct sunlight. I start mine on a shelf with a cooler indirect exposure. You will be interested to learn that kale can freeze solid and still be usable. It is a wonderful vegetable to eat all winter. Make sure you wait until the sun warms it up after freezing to pick it, or else you will have a disgusting mush on your hands.

Mary and Martha Together: The garden is such a peaceful place to pray and worship Jesus. Consider beginning now so you will be ready to plant in August. Research what sort of veggies you can plant in a fall garden in your area. If you don't have a garden spot yet, choose a small 4X4 or 8 sunny area. Ideally, a south-facing plot is the best choice, but any place with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight will work. Better yet read Harvesting Rainwater 1 and 2 plus How to Grow More Vegetables for a real organic gardening education. You may get the bug to transform you garden into a Garden of Eden.

#18-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-06T08:48:00.001-06:00

This one is my favorite, because it shows both sisters listening to the Savior with attitudes of worship.

"She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:14-15

These two commandments to women are loaded with meaning. A virtuous woman will make sure she has food storage, that she prepares food for her household, and that she doesn't sleep away the morning. We've already talked about some of these ideas, but part of adopting the best of Mary and Martha includes exploring commandments given specifically to women.

"Relief Society stands for self-reliance. The best food storage is not in the welfare grain elevators but in sealed cans and bottles in the homes of our people. What a gratifying thing it is to see cans of wheat and rice and beans under the beds or in the pantries of women who have taken welfare responsibility into their own hands." Gordon B. Hinckley

"Our family time around the dinner table has provided healing balm for many trying days. With the busy lives each of us leads, we've found that mealtime together has taken on added importance. President Spencer W. Kimball said: 'It is important for us also to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally, that whatever changes outside our home, there are fundamental aspects of our relationship which will never change' (Ocean Currents and Family Influences," Ensign, Nov. 1974, 112-113.) Despite differing circumstances, every family can make eating at least one meal together every day a family priority." Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard, Meal Time, Family Time, Ensign 1998

"Rising before the sun and trying to focus not just the eyes but the mind on the scriptures is worth the effort. Spending a few minutes in the scriptures each day, bearing testimony, and feeling the Spirit has not only a strengthening effect but a healing effect, as the Atonement of Jesus Christ acts in our lives." Kelley Haws, assistant administrator for seminaries and institutes of religion

Martha and Mary Together: Let us make filling our pantries with at least a year's supply of basic commodities a priority. Let us arise early 'while it is yet night' and prepare delicious food from our provident pantries. Let us make family time, especially meal time, a priority. Let us set the tone of our homes to include the strengthening and healing effects of the Atonement of Jesus Christ through personal devotions in the wee small hours of the morning, happy but serene attitude, family devotions and home evening to immerse our children in His love, and lovely soft hymns and classical music to help ease sleepy eyes and heads into a new glorious day. Isn't our major goal in life to do all in our power to return to our Father with our families intact. Feeding the body and the soul to satiation will go very far in assuring that end.

You can find lots of ideas for the above in my newly revised book, The New Pantry Principle. Yes, it is ready and waiting for all you lovely ladies that have been waiting. Thanks for your patience.

#17-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-05T08:18:00.001-06:00

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

I have to say this is one of my favorite commandments to women. Right now, as I sit at my desk, I look at the little embroidered table cloth that covers it. My grandmother made it years ago. She was a great seamstress and did fine needlework, which inspired my love for the same. For awhile, she even fed her family with this work.

Martha Challenge: I'd like to send Martha a gift; add a little softness to your efficiency. Go back to this post and make a set of cloth napkins for your table. The instructions can be modified somewhat, as the finished product is smallish. You might try another stitch or a different type of fabric. You might add some flowers to the corner with outline, lazy daisy, and French knots stitches. If you need instruction or more ideas, look at this great book, Heirloom Embroidery: Inspired Designer Projects with Beautiful Stitching Techniques by Jan Constantine. You will be delighted at the elegance cloth napkins add to your simple family meals. My husband says often that it is a step down to dine in restaurants after a peasant meal of my lentil soup, green salad, and melon served at a well-set table. Additionally, sitting with handwork allows the mind to slow down and the spirit to dwell upon the things of God. Handwork allows one to sit and listen to audio recordings, perhaps of the scriptures or general conference.

Mary Challenge: It's a new week Mary. Hopefully, you are having success moving from room to room organizing and beautifying. We've worked on the kitchen, the front room, and another room. What room will you pick this week? Don't forget to add reminders of the Savior into your beautifying projects.

#16-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-07-03T18:31:00.000-06:00

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11-12

As women we are given specific commandments in the scriptures. This is one of them. Basically, we shouldn't give our husbands reasons for jealousy: flirting, lunch dates, and the like. When a woman plays with the emotions of a man, she is not doing him good. Even though he is totally responsible for his actions, there is such a thing as provoking jealousy or other negative emotions. On the other hand, if a woman takes time to do the little things, she does him good. He won't feel the need to look for emotional comforts elsewhere.

Martha Challenge: After the evening routine is finished, spend an hour with your man doing what he likes. At this time, he may think he likes TV. However, you can change his mind. Soon he may like playing chess or taking a walk or reading aloud with you. If he isn't there yet, rub his shoulders during a commercial break and tell him some things you like about him. Maybe, when he sees that you can put down your work and pay attention to him, he will reciprocate.

Mary Challenge: Pray for your husband specifically every day. Pray for his health, safety (spiritually, physically, and emotionally), security, support, and happiness. Count him as one of your blessings, when you pray each morning and night. Try to recount to God one or two specific things your husband did during the day to bless your life. If you seek to find the positive and joyful things, you will find them.

#15-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-30T08:32:00.002-06:00

Lady Lydia posted about strength and dignity the other day, which has me thinking quite a bit. It is culturally but not scripturally correct to "broadcast every feeling, every angst, every bitter disappointment, every plan, or every move." To be an interesting conversationalist, it is not necessary to divulge private and personal things. It is not secretive or dishonest to cultivate privacy and personal dignity. This seems to be the lesson that Martha learned.

In one scene she was upset and complained about her household problems. Months later she quietly served. In both these scenes Mary did not help with the work. In the latter, Martha kept her feelings to herself in an unoffended, drama-free manner.

About 4 times per year, my Grandmother gathers her daughters, step-daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters for a hen party. Sometimes the conversation gets a bit negative. Aunt Margie in her bright, cheerful way has the talent of steering the conversation with positive questions and comments. 'What wonderful thing is your son doing?'

My MIL had the same gift. She never met a stranger, because she was always interested. Her usual question to begin a conversation was, "Tell me about yourself." In the end, she never lost this talent.

Martha Challenge: Martha has a two pronged challenge today. Cultivate conversation skills that entertain higher and nobler speech. "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:4 President Hinckley prophetically laid down the Thumper Rule. 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.' Pray more; talk less! Pray for peace, reassurance, companionship and escape from boredom. All these things can be gained through prayer.

Mary Challenge: So far you have ordered and beautified your front room and kitchen~very nicely done. Take these skills and choose another room, public or private, to make into a lovely place. Perhaps you might focus upon your master suite, turning it into a lovely bed and breakfast. Or you might choose your family room, making it a place where your children can bring their friends for safe and uplifting recreation. Don't forget to add an element of creativity and a little piece of heaven~perhaps a picture of the Savior, a hand-made table runner, or a grouping of family photos.

#14-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-29T08:34:00.005-06:00

If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear...this idea resonates throughout the scriptures. But for women with families to nurture, the command is more than just spiritual.

"She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens...with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard...She is not afraid of the snow for her household...She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:14, 15, 16, 21, 27

Without frugality and conscious preparation, we will feel personally responsible if our children go hungry. Maybe it's the Martha in me, but personal preparedness has always been important. About ten years ago, I became more interested in using instead of just acquiring stored foods. After a time, I learned that the foods that many store are common allergens. What to do? I can't eat any of my stored wheat, powdered milk, powdered eggs, and the like. The beans, dried fruits, canned tomatoes, apple sauce, honey, oats, and rice still work, though.

While this is a bit frustrating, I am eternally grateful to learn of these allergies now. It is still possible to change directions. To store our supplies is not enough. We must learn to eat and rotate them on a regular basis. Only in this way can we discover what works best in our personal situations and how to actually use the stuff.

Imagine if your child only eats Cheerios and Spaghetti-Os. There is no way to acquire these commodities for various reasons. So you open a can of wheat and prepare boiled wheat with honey. The child will not eat it even if he is very hungry in a stress situation. However, if little Junior was never indulged in his mono-diet and ate lentil soup and muesli as a regular part of his diet, there would be no tears or terror over the stressful situation. Mom could cope, and Junior would go on as usual.

In the LDS Church, we are encouraged to store necessary clothing, food, fuel, and basic sanitation products to last a year. Even in a tiny home on a tiny budget it is possible to store a large amount of these items, when frugality and order are the general practice.

350 lbs. grains (blue corn, red corn, black rice, red rice, brown rice, oat groats)

350 lbs. legumes (pintos, small white, black, garbanzos, lentils, soy, etc.)

50 lbs. nuts and seeds (peanut butter, almonds, cashews, flax, sunflower, sesame)

200 lbs. dried fruits (apples, peaches, plums, raisins)

125 lbs. sprouting seeds (unhulled buckwheat, sunflower, alfalfa, clover, broccoli, amaranth)

spices, vinegar, and dried herbs
100 lbs. onions and garlic (obviously continuously rotated and kept in a cool location or use dried)

canned tomatoes (120 pints)

canned salsa (60 pints)

apple sauce (60 quarts)

Using our new way of eating along with the LDS church guidelines for a minimum food storage, this is my new ideal food storage plan per person. It's like starting all over again, but is certainly doable.

Martha Challenge: With your attention to detail, you likely have a nice home storage started. Do you use it? If not now is the time to learn how to prepare sprouts, whole grains, and legumes. Incorporate them into your diet and phase out health robbing psuedo-foods. If you haven't yet begun to store food, today is the day to start. Not many people are allergic to pinto beans. Buy a few pounds of pintos and make a pot of them for dinner the day after tomorrow.

Mary Challenge: Gardening is a spiritual experience. With your affinity for the spiritual side of things, why not start an indoor greens and sprouts garden. It takes very little space and money. In the next couple weeks, you can view my video, The Secret's in the Greens, with specific instructions for this fulfilling, health-giving activity. Until then, grow a jar of alfalfa sprouts this week and add them to your salad.

#13-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-28T14:10:00.000-06:00

Even when I had a houseful of little children, I read a stack of books from the library nearly each week. When I wanted to learn how to be a better housekeeper, I read books. When I wanted to learn about nutrition, I read books. When I wanted to learn how to homeschool, I read books. No matter the subject, I read lots of books and learned.

While I think I am far from wise, I follow am led by this commandment. "...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith..." Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

Then after all this reading, prayer was next on the agenda. Sometimes I think I know the answer. Sometimes men are very convincing in their arguments. But after I've used my human intellect to study out my questions, I check with God the Creator of all things physical and spiritual for His advice upon the matter.

Martha Challenge: We Martha's are often apt to be a bit too self-reliant. Study the commandment of prayer and incorporate some of the ideas into your life.

Mary Challenge: Study a subject of your choosing. You might find some direction here. But do not get too caught up in the philosophies of men; keep that close connection with God.

#12-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-24T10:46:00.003-06:00

Before I learned some of these lessons, I made many mistakes that nearly cost me my health. Well, actually, they did cost me my health. It is true that self is not at the top of the priority list, but it is on the list. One thing we need to do for our husband and children is take care of our own health.

"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." Proverbs 31:17

Hmmmmm...it seems to be a commandment to women from our Father as well.

It is non-sense that you don't have enough time to eat nutritiously or exercise. You buy and make the food, giving you control over what comes in your door and gets past your lips. Additionally, little children love to be outside and go for walks. Strap junior into the stroller and walk every day. While you are at it, point out the lovely plants that Heavenly Father created for us. Talk about the healthiest foods being plants also.

Martha Challenge: When you plan your meals, include more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds (plant foods). Minimize animal products of all kinds. Walk or exercise 6 days a week, resting on the Sabbath.

Mary Challenge: Read Doctrine and Covenants 89 and Cancer, Nutrition, and the Word of Wisdom: One Doctor's Observations William T. Stephenson, July 2008 Ensign to learn more about the Word of Wisdom. A secular author on this subject is Dr. Joel Fuhrman, who wrote Eat to Live. I highly recommend this book for some great ideas to implement the Word of Wisdom plus the interesting scientific evidence that backs up the commandment.

#11-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-22T16:53:00.001-06:00

William Adolphe Bouguereau

Two Sisters, 1901

I had a discussion with a young friend a few days ago. This young woman was incensed over the way she was treated by her sister. Ready to cut the sister out of her life, she nevertheless listened to my advise. Basically, I related a few gospel truths.

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20.)

“And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled.” (D&C 42:88.)

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended,” he said." (John 16:1.)

Since not many intentionally try to offend others, the problem rests with me and how I deal with my own hurt feelings. Even if the offense is not given in innocence, it is vital that I give the offender the benefit of the doubt and choose to ignore it. If the person is behaving poorly and yelling, say, “That is hurtful. Please, stop What do you really mean? Can you calmly tell me what is upsetting you?” If it continues, say, "I love you too much for this so will talk to you later." In other words, I shouldn't act upon offense, but remove myself from the environment for a time. President Bednar's advise to refuse to be offended, not be too sensitive, and to turn the other cheek are classically Christian.

I taught my young friend that indeed she is her sister's keeper and has a responsibility to model proper behavior and reactions. She needed to decide right then and there if she loved her sister or not. If so, she should take my advice and teach her gently by the above gentle methods. If not, it was her loss.

When Jesus rebuked Martha, she did not get offended. Instead Martha learned. A few months after the famous Mary and Martha incident. Another quite different view of Martha is given in just three words. "...and Martha served..." John 12:2 Martha had learned to find joy in service, not to judge the service of another, to not be offended, and to listen to the Savior's voice. We might all learn from Martha's example. Since none of us is perfect and have many shortcomings, rough edges, and annoying parts to our personalities, we should listen the honest suggestions. Analyze them. Discard the frivolous. Glean what we can. Be thankful for the advice and refuse to get offended by gentle honesty.

Martha Challenge: So here it is Martha, the biggest challenge of your life. Refuse to get offended. Learn from gentle honesty. Adopt a Mona Lisa smile and serenity. Decide today to love others despite their shortcomings, give the benefit of a doubt, learn from mistakes, and find a lot more joy in the process.

Mary Challenge: How is your kitchen coming along? Now that you are spending more time on your homemaking skills, are you remembering your sweet hour of prayer? A relationship with God is your most important goal in life, but you can have the best of these two worlds. Are you remembering to get up early each day? Are you singing or playing hymns? Are you praying? Are you studying the Word? Are you recording your thoughts, feelings, joys, and answers to prayers in a journal of some sort? If you have let this habit slip, now is the time to pick it up again. Perhaps tomorrow after you are done with your daily tasks and areas, you might find a little corner for this very purpose. A pretty teacup and doily, your violin and hymn book, your scriptures and journal, and a comfy chair. Of course you should design your prayer corner to suit your personality. I will have the opportunity to design a new space next week and am finding much delight in the prospect. It involves a sweet little lady sized chair I recently inherited from my MIL and hopefully this....

#10-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-21T07:07:00.001-06:00

Martha and Mary by Nathan Greene

Homemaking has a long and glorious tradition with eternal value. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If we choose to perform our labors for the glory of God, they become consecrated with both earthly and eternal value. They become treasure that neither moth nor dust doth corrupt. God ordained that women be nurturers of the family and protectors of the home~this is our divine mission, which God authorities and approves. Our homes are part of His kingdom, and therefore, we are commanded to build them as such.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1: 2-4

With these ideas in mind, we need to change our attitude toward homemaking responsibilities. Will teaching little Janie to achieve perfect penmanship and bed-making become a source of joy or grudging grind? Will playing and reading with Joey be goodness and blessings worthy of gratitude or tasks that inspire murmuring, boredom, and depression? Will we choose to see the blessings in an automatic washing machine, a humble home, a sink full of dishes, a hardworking husband, and a meal of lentil soup (again)? Let us view homemaking with joy, honor, and a blessing that will lead us and our children toward Christ-like character and humility. "The best way to make your mark outside the home is to do a good job inside the home." Lydia Sherman

“We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones...we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God...Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.” Eliza R. Snow, address to Lehi Ward Relief Society, Oct. 27, 1869, Lehi Ward, Alpine (Utah) Stake, in Relief Society, Minute Book, 1868–79, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, 26–27

Martha Challenge: Yes, Martha, you have been cumbered about, but that is going to change. Even Martha can arrange her homemaking to be a time of joy instead of anxiety. This is especially important if Martha is also homeschooling her children. Let's bring the challenge points of Mary and Martha together.

Get Up
Be The Change
Gratitude Journal
Modest Dress/Daily Hygiene
Write Thank You Letters/Visit the Elderly and Sick
Presentable Front Room
Outline Priorities
Begin Personal Devotions
Be Hospitable/Begin Couples Game Nights
Refuse Offense
Joyfully Teach Children Family Teamwork
Set Up a Homemaking Journal
Discover Husband Again
Institute the Children's Hour (aka Nightly FHE)
Meal Prep and Clean Up With Children

This just seems like another list, but is actually part of a recipe for a more fulfilling, more creative, more spiritual life. Look back at the master list on #8. If you look under the dailies section, you will see three blank spots. These are chunking spots. When I had children at home, school, field trips, lesson practice, handicrafts, area of focus, and that sort of thing went in these areas. Now my chunks include personal studies, writing, and hobbies. You can also see that there are no times written in the spaces. Mine has times, but everyone works at a different pace. What takes one lady 45 minutes might take another 30. If your goal is to begin school at 8AM, which was our starting time for many years, you must rise early enough to allow a peaceful proceeding of the categories, before the first chunk. I chose 4:30 AM in the beginning but have now refined the process and rise at 6. You may be more efficient than me and adjust your time to suite. This also implies that you retire early and get 8 hours of sleep~no more reading dime-store novels until 2 AM!

So many women have asked over the years how I accomplished homeschooling and homemaking. "...retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" My mother helped me develop the habit of early/early by quoting a different authority, Benjamin Franklin. "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This is the main secret of successful homeschooling homemakers and happy, healthy children.

Mary Challenge: Now that your front room is de-junked, organized, cleaned, and beautified as much as your budget will allow, focus on your kitchen this week. Look at the master chore list. Every day spend 20-60 minutes cleaning out drawers and cabinets, de-junking, organizing, and cleaning. Choose a small decorative touch. Since I am fascinated with the different aspects of Mary and Martha, my decorative touch is small framed prints of various Mary and Martha paintings.

#9-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-20T08:27:00.001-06:00

Christ in the House of Mary and Martha by William Blake

The other day, I ran into the mother of Mike, a frequent visitor at our home. I stopped her to compliment her on her son's good character. Interestingly, she launched into an account of all his failings. A very nice young man, I was quite perplexed.

As I listened, one point came back to me over and over. Certainly, we all have rough edges that may rub other people the wrong way. Trying to find our way, we sometimes fail. But around here we celebrate failure. Why? You cannot learn if you refuse to fail. We don't use the word failure but instead we call interruptions in forward progress learning experiences.

Funny...later that evening my son texted me that he now had a broken front tooth courtesy of Mike. I told him to come home so we could assess the damage and to give me Mike's mom's number. To make a long story short, Mike, Mom, Spencer, and I had a conversation to determine how to proceed. While Spencer thought Mike had done it out of anger, Mike countered that the sword had slipped. The two young people worked out a financial arrangement, contingent upon today's dentist visit. The young men are still friends. The mothers are happy with their arrangements.

So how does this relate to Mary and Martha?

Martha Challenge-Sometimes Martha is a little quick to judge. Martha's challenge is to calmly seek out those that offend to get the whole story. She also needs to be optimistic and look for the positive character traits of her children and others. They will live up to her vision and expectations, high or low. Remember the words of Thumper and Gordon B. Hinckley. "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." A smile doesn't commit you either way.

Mary Challenge-Sometimes Mary isn't hospitable towards her children's friends. It gets in the way of her needs. Mary's challenge is to encourage the friends to congregate, play, and eat at her house. She needs to understand that young people need a safe, welcoming place to be young. They will make noise. They will eat all the apples. They will make a mess. At the end of the night or afternoon, they will help clean up if that is the expectation. Someday they will fondly remember and possibly imitate your hospitality and friendly manners. My grown children know they are always welcome in our home with their spouses and children~no need to arrange things ahead of time. My home child knows that his friends are welcome in our home every day of the week until 10PM on weeknights and 12PM on weekends. All family and friends know, understand, and follow our rules of conduct and virtue in our home. Our home is always full of the energy of young people, which is exceedingly delightful once you get used to it.

#8-Mary and Martha's 31-Day Home and Spiritual Makeover

2011-06-19T15:19:00.000-06:00

Christ in the House of Mary and Martha by Diego Velazquez

One of my former students spoke in church today. After a briefly shaky start, where he overcame lightheadedness and real fear, he spoke with authority on the subjects of family, trust, fidelity, and morality. How is it possible that a young man of 19 can teach thusly as well as any paid minister. First, he took the time to learn the gospel, hide God's word in his heart, live righteously, and have the Holy Ghost as his companion. Through love he accepted truth and went on to build upon it in his heart.

Soon he will enter the Missionary Training Center and from there serve a mission for two years. We couldn't be happier if he were one ours, oh, but he is. For 5 years, he came to our home 3 days per week to study maths, science, computer programming, robotics, history, economics, government, logic, public speaking, and lots of other things. We grew to love this boy as one of our own. At first He was very shy and uttered not one word. He didn't stand a chance of retaining that character trait around here. As we work, study, and play, we banter, discuss, debate, and laugh a lot. Little by little so did he.

This morning's experience was very sweet and reminded me of a scripture that I have written and spoken about many times. This scripture along with 1 Corinthians 13 is the secret to the way I parented my last children and all the extras that came through our door. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood [or motherhood or teacherhood], only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-44

When I first read this scripture, I didn't understand. I thought the bold red words gave me license to yell and spank. Years later I learned what it really meant.

Reprove=correct/teach

Sharpness="Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword..." Doctrine and Covenants 6:2

Soooo....it means correct and teach truth with God's word--no yelling--no spanking. By feeling loved and witnessing the teacher's faith, young people are converted to the truth.

A prophet said it in a different way. "Parents do not spank your children. Talk to them. They will listen," Gordon B. Hinckley

So why was I reminded of this? First, my friend Erin posted about the subject today. Second, by teaching this way, I helped this young man to give up shyness, love scholarship, increase testimony, and speak in public without passing out.

Titus 2:4-5 "...the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Martha Challenge: Martha is an excellent keeper at home, though she sometimes gets a little cumbered and worried. This worry sometimes drives Martha to do all the work herself. After all it gets done faster and better on her watch. But even Martha is commanded to love her children and use the home as a training ground for adult life. Martha's challenge is to relax and teach her children to be an intragal part of the running of the home inside and out. Pick something that seems like a dreadful chore and turn it into great fun, after dinner dishes. This has gotten to be one our most memorable family traditions, with singing, talking, and lots of laughing. Yup, we love dishes. Memorize this scripture and quote it if you feel yourself getting tense. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Mary Challenge: Getting organized and not double booking will help all Mary types. The Sabbath is a day of rest and should be respected as such. After sundown on Sabbath evening, Mary should plan her week. Look at the calendar. Plan your devotion, homemaking, study, project, and family times. We Mary types know how easy it is to get carried away studying the Word and writing about it. But there are plenty of other things to get done. You don't need an expensive planner, and it is much more in keeping with a Mary spirit to make your own. You know; decorate it with scripture and lovely drawings. It is quiet simple. Sometime ago, after a mighty struggle, I learned to combine my dueling Mary/Martha personalities and whittled down most everything to fit on a few pages: master chore list/routine, menu worksheet, project worksheet, and personal planner. My master list is at the beginning of my little binder. Next is found two blank calendars with spaces to write appointments. After this is my menu and project worksheets. And last, several sheets of lined paper to write my plans into my day chunks. If you want to know more about my personal planner design, leave a comment, and I'll write more about it. To get you started, here is my master chore list/routine.