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Quick Fall Craft

I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for a centerpiece for my table this fall (I know it's a little late in the year). You know me, I like things simple and clean looking.This is what I came up with. I apologize for the not-so-great lighting in the pictures. It was late at night so I couldn't use natural lighting. I grabbed an inexpensive cylinder glass vase at Michaels, a 99 cent piece of paper and my trusty ole Mod Podge. I glued the paper to the vase and then threw in some flower-type leaves I got from Pier 1 last year. Done! I got the green bowl from Anthropologie a couple of months back and haven't found a use for it yet, until now. I don't have it pictured yet but I will be putting some pine cones in there. Easy peasy!

Everything pumpkin day!

Today I was very much in a "pumpkin" mood. I get like that this time of year. I crave pumpkin. So, for M's school today I wanted to incorporate things that related to pumpkins. First, we made pumpkin smoothies. They were delicious and quite simple. I used 1-2 cups of homemade almond milk (you can use whatever milk base you prefer), 3/4 tsp. of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. of cloves, dash of nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. of ginger, 1 tsp. of vanilla, frozen banana and a big dollop of pumpkin (from the can). Tomorrow we will try using fresh cut up pumpkin. I threw it all in the blender and blended it up. It was so good. I then made pumpkin muffins to go along with the smoothie. As we enjoyed our delicious smoothie and muffin we read a book that was all about pumpkins. Simply delightful! And to think this was all part of our homeschooling day. I love it!

My first attemp with Mod Podge

For those of you that don't know, Mod Podge is a type of glue that is used for many things in the craft world. It is extremely versatile in that it bonds well and dries clear. I have spent hours and hours browsing different internet sites that show crafty projects using this wonderful bonding agent. I thought it was time I tried my hand at it. I also had a little help from "M".

First, we took an artist's canvas that we purchased from the craft store. I think I paid about $4. We then painted the canvas a light pink color. You have to make sure you let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.



We then cut a bird shape out of wrapping paper and put Mod Podge on the back of it and placed it onto the canvas. It's really important that you smooth out the paper with a ruler, or something of that nature, to get out any air bubbles. I was really disappointed because I ended up having air pockets and wrinkling that I couldn't get out. I won't be too hard on myself, though, given this was my first attempt. After the bird dries, you take the Mod Podge and brush it over the whole piece to give a polished, solid look. It's actually pretty simple.


We hung it up in "M's" room above her bookcase. I really like how it looks in her room and you can't really see the wrinkling now that it's up on the wall.


I have TONS of other ideas swirling in my head now that I have found a new love for this wonderful glue called Mod Podge. I will be sure to post my future projects!

Salad People

Want a fun and easy way to get the kiddos to eat fruits and vegetables? Make salad people. We found a great book called Salad People by Mollie Katzen. It has lots of simple and tasty recipes that your kids can make and it's vegetarian. Here is one of our salad people:

We used an apple for the body, yogurt for the head, carrots for the ears and arms and hair, parsley for the hands, grapes for the legs, halved bing cherry for the mouth and cranberries for the eyes and nose. We got a little creative and made a border out of pumpkin seeds. Maleah ate every bit of it and it was a lot of fun making it. You can use any variation of fruit and vegetables you want. Just have fun with it!

Patty Pan Squash

Thanks to my CSA, I learned about a new squash, Patty Pans. Let me tell you, they are delicious. I wasn't sure how to cook them so I jumped on youtube and found a recipe. I have made this recipe three times in the last week. It is so good. Here is the recipe:

You slice off each end of the patty pan (top and bottom, just slightly) and then cut the squash in half so that it forms two uniform disc shapes. Spray the bottom of a pan with olive oil spray (or use regular olive oil to coat) and then place the squash in pan face up. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Then you carve out a shallow well in the middle of the squash. I use a melon baller. Fill the well with crumbled goat cheese. On top of the cheese put either bruschetta, which is what I used, or you can use salsa or some type of sweet pepper relish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of that and then lightly drizzle everything with olive oil. Place in oven (I used my toaster oven) on 400 degrees and bake until tender but not mushy, around 15 minutes or so. That's it. Easy peasy.

Oh so tasty and good for you too. And remember, buy organic and local when you can!

Sunday morning breakfast

I normally don't eat a big breakfast but we have been getting in the habit of going out for breakfast after church on Sunday mornings. Today we decided to sleep in and not go to church. When I woke up I was craving a big breakfast. So I made one. I have been loving getting my CSA every week. I have been getting some pretty exotic (well, exotic to me) vegetables that I haven't seen before. One of them was purple potatoes. I didn't know they even existed. So, I was eager to use them. The good thing about joining a CSA is that it makes you eat healthier because you are getting lots of vegetables that you don't want to go to waste. I decided to make a skillet. You know, the like the ones you get in a restaurant. I fried up my purple potatoes, and then put scrambles eggs on top of them. I then sprinkled fresh basil (from my garen) on top along with cut up homegrown tomatoes (from my CSA) and some feta. It was delish!

CONTAINER GARDENING

Some of you may remember last year I did a square foot garden, which is basically planting in a raised bed. It ended up not doing so well. I put my box on my front patio which is a cement ground and is enclosed by a brick wall. I think that fried my plants. So, this year I am trying container gardening. I am finding it to be super easy. I have decided to put my plants on my screened-in sun porch. It doesn't get full sun all day so I am very curious as to how my plants will do. We will see. So far so good. I am already getting flowers on my tomato plants. Woo hoo!

I also put one of my tomato plants and a box of basil out behind my house to see how they do there. I'm just kind of experimenting this year.

I didn't plant a whole lot this year because I signed up with a CSA. What is a CSA you ask? Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share ("membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. My friend who has been doing organic gardening for many, many years decided to do a CSA so I joined hers. I have been getting loads of yummy produce each week, so I didn't need to plant a lot myself. I just planted tomatoes and herbs (parsley, rosemary, dill, mint, basil and oregano). I love using fresh herbs in my cooking. There is nothing like it. Oh, and there are two plants that I have no idea what they are. I started them by seed and didn't label it, thinking I would remember what they were. But I don't. We'll just have to wait and see!

Finally made a decision...

I have been going back and forth on whether to homeschool Maleah for kindergarten or not. There are so many positives to homeschooling, but it definitely comes with some challenges. We looked at a private school that we were very impressed with and thought very seriously about sending her there. I was going crazy trying to make a decision. One day I felt like I wanted to homeschool, and the next day I wanted her to have the education and experience of going to the private school. I FINALLY made a decision that I think is the right one. We are going to homeschool. I'm actually pretty excited about it. I was remembering when she was a baby and I couldn't wait to homeschool her and how much fun I thought it would be. I also started thinking about how much bonding time Maleah and I will get. I get to choose the curriculum that I want to use to teach her, according to her learning style. I get to choose who she is influenced by and who she spends her day with. We won't have to get up super early to get ready for school. We can actually sleep in if need be. I plan on doing lots of "field trips", not only for fun but for great learning opportunities. Another great benefit will be of homeschooling is that Maleah won't be limited to daily interaction and socializing with just kids her own age, but with many different people including adults and even younger children.

So, this is what we are doing for kindergarten. Who knows what next year will bring. Five is such a tender age. I want to nurture and protect her for as long as I can. I want to make sure a solid foundation is established before sending her out into the world. Our children stay little for such a short period of time and I want to hold on to these younger years for as long as I can.

JIGGLE JAM

Today was a great day. We went to Jiggle Jam at Crown Center with another couple and their two kids. It was well worth the money we spent on the tickets. Thumbs up to Crown Center for putting this event on. Maleah had a blast playing in the water fountains. We also enjoyed watching Funky Mama and Mr. Stinky Feet perform. They were very entertaining and fun to watch. It's events like these that make me glad I live in Kansas City. They really do have a lot of fun, kid things to do here. I'm looking forward to doing lots of cool things this summer.

Crazy Kristin and Donald. We love em'

Maleah doing her own face painting

Maleah painting

Maleah and Lainee painting. They are too cute!


Maleah and Lainee in the water fountains

Memorial Day Ceremony...

Maleah and I attended a Memorial Day Ceremony downtown at Police Headquarters today. It was in honor of not only the war veterans but for the fallen officers in Kansas City. Mike was in the ceremony. I felt so "patriotic" watching this ceremony take place. I also felt very proud of my husband all suited up and wearing such an honorable badge. Too many times we take for granted our police officers out there protecting us and putting their lives on the line for us daily. Today I was reminded of how important police officers are to our society. I'm so thankful for them!

My little Christmas princess

Christmas time...

I love Christmas time. It's by far my favorite time of year. I love the colder weather, the snow, the Christmas lights around town, the way my house looks and feels with the Christmas tree up, Christmas music, and making my house fill up with the aroma of baked goodies. I also enjoy decorating my house. Even though it's on a very small scale, I like putting little Christmas tidbits around the house, enough to make me smile and feel all warm and "Christmasy" when I look at them. I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of things around my house.

Things that bring me joy (besides my family)...

reading a good book
listening to music
decorating my home
cooking
drinking wine
dancing
tree lined streets
houseplants in pretty pots
creating things with my hands
getting new all natural skincare
learning about healthy living and eating
new books and DVD's from the library
watching romantic comedies
eating Haagen Dazs chocolate ice cream
connecting with a friend
my bed
shopping at Target
a clean, organized home
good coffee
eating at a favorite restaurant
looking at decorating blogs and magazines
shopping at Whole Foods
Christmas time (baking, listening to Christmas music, decorating, snow)
hot bubble baths
Autumn
research/intellectual stimulation
browsing Barnes & Noble with a cup of coffee

Ahhhhhhhh...

Ridiculously simple, yet the best sugar cookies you'll ever eat, sugar cookie recipe...

3 sticks of softened butter
2 cups of sugar
(cream together)

add 4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
(beat with creamed butter and sugar)

2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
5 cups flour (I did 3 cups organic, unbleached white and 2 cups whole wheat pastry)
(mix in separate bowl first, and then beat together with creamed mixture to make dough)

Put dough in fridge for about 15 minutes to harden it a little. Roll out the dough to desired thickness and make shapes with cookie cutters.

I make these every Christmas and my family goes nuts over them. I know they are LOADED with fattening, ingredients, but, hey--it's Christmas. You gotta splurge sometimes!

New York, New York

I just got back not too long ago from a trip to New York. What an amazing experience. I have a cousin that I am very close to and grew up with that lives there. My friend from Las Vegas who is close to my cousin as well flew in to New York also. We all got to hang out like old times. I actually went by myself. No kids, no hubbies. It was great. I even flew by myself, which I was nervous about, but ended up loving it. I was only there for three days which was just enough. Any longer and I would have missed my kids too much.

I have to say, I absolutely love New York but I couldn't live there. I little too fast paced for me. Everybody is always movin' and a groovin'! Riding the subway was definitely an experience in itself. My cousin lives in Brooklyn so we spent quite a bit of time there. We also took the train into Manhattan and walked around (ALOT!) and did some shopping and eating. We went to China Town and Soho. I got to shop at the Whole Foods in Manhattan which was amazing. That place was huge with two levels and a huge restaurant area. I loved it!

One of my favorite places to eat was a place called Paloma's in Brooklyn. One of the contestants on "The Next Food Network Star" opened this place up. It had great food, amazing atmosphere and yummy drinks. This place was probably one of the highlights of the trip for me. My friend, Sheila, was freaking out because she didn't know that the owner was a contestant from "The Next Food Network Star" and she LOVES that show. She ended up talking to Camille Beccera and getting an autograph and picture with her.



I definitely want to visit New York again. I actually would like to bring my family with me next time and stay longer. It's one of those places that you at least have to visit once in your lifetime!

Free to wear Sunscreen!

I wanted to share this video with you. The words were written by a lady named Mary Schmich in 1997. She wrote it as an essay assignment. It was later published in the Chicago Tribune. This was also used in the movie The Big Kahuna. I hope it touches you like it has me!

First day of preschool!

Today was a monumental day in the Grigsby household. Maleah went to preschool. After 4 years of being at home with mom she is spreading her little wings and venturing out to make new friends and learn new things. She was soooo excited about going. She woke up bright and early and ready to go. I, on the other hand, was a wreck. Well, not really, but I felt really weird. I felt anxious and unsteady. We rarely get a babysitter for her let alone hand her over to complete strangers for five hours a day, twice a week. But, this preschool is awesome and I feel very comfortable leaving her there. They were very loving and nurturing towards her. I actually think it's going to be very good for her. And Lord knows I need the "me" time. I drove around today after I dropped her off and I didn't know what to do. It felt so foreign to not have her. Thursday will be different. I will get into a routine of cleaning the house, going to the gym, shopping, having coffee with girlfriends and whatever else may come my way. Lovely! I think I'm going to enjoy this season of my life.

First football game...

Here is a picture of Jarod in his football uniform at his first game this year. Doesn't he look good?! Unfortunately, they lost their first game. But I assured him it was okay because they had many more games to play and win. Go Jarod!!!

Hot Peas N Butter!

I bet you think I'm talking about food. Nope! Hot Peas N Butter is a children's musical group. They have been featured on Nickelodeon and Noggin. They are awesome! They were in town and we took Maleah to go see them. We had a great time. Their music is very appealing to adults as well. It's a little bit of jazz, funk, latino and some other really cool sounding music. We bought their cd and had each of the members sign their name on it. Malaeah even got to take a picture with them (sorry, it's a little blurry). She was pretty proud of that. Check them out at www.hotpeasnbutter.com