Tortilla Soup

Soup is awesome!  It's easy to make, healthy, filling and usually very cost effective.  Seriously, who doesn't love soup?  This one is a favorite in our house and most times, I make it without any meat.  Thus, the reason we simply call it, Tortilla Soup.  However, it's super easy to toss in some chicken breast or even your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  Yeah- you heard me.  I'm putting leftover turkey in our Tortilla Soup tonight!  Woop Woop!


Tortilla Soup

1 onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, diced
1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 small can diced green chili's
1 1/2 cup frozen corn
2 cans black beans
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 chicken breast, optional
salt & pepper to taste

Step 1: Saute onion and garlic in oil.  When translucent, add in spices and cook for approximately 5 more minutes.

Step 2:  Add in canned tomatoes, diced green chili's, chicken broth and water.  Bring to low boil and blend with your immersion blender.

Step 3:  Now add in remaining ingredients and cook on low boil for 30-60 minutes.  The longer the better!

Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.  SO good!

Tip- I do not drain my black beans.  The juice from the beans adds a really rich flavor to the soup. Enjoy!

Down with GMO's

One of the many goals that I had for the start of 2014 was to further eliminate GMO's from our diet.  For us, this has been a slow and steady process.  I had thought we were doing really well but I have to be honest and say, that in the last year- we've really upped our game.

My focus has been primarily on eating more local foods, further reducing the processed foods and making even more things from scratch- like breads and tortillas.  Now, we really didn't have lots of processed foods to begin with- seriously, there's no canned soups in my pantry and chips are not a staple in our house.  But there's always room for improvement, right?

Last year, we were at a steady 80/20.  Meaning that 80% of what my family ate was organic and GMO free.  Looking back, a year later and we are at a solid 90/10.  Which, if you've ever tried to do this- you know how BIG of an accomplishment this truly is!

This means that when I pack the husband his lunch for work- it is 90% organic and GMO free.  When we eat dinner at home it is 90% organic and GMO free.  The snacks we eat, what we drink, the salad dressings and other condiments- all 90% organic and GMO free.

Wow.

So why am I doing this?  What's the big deal about eating GMO's?

You guys- I'm going to tell you and I really hope you'll listen.  Your health and your children's health literally depend on it.

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms.  Basically, its a plant or animal (whoa! an animal?!) that has been altered in some way.  It is not something that occurs in nature.  It is not natural and as such, we simply don't know 100% that it is safe.  So it stands to reason, that if we don't know it's safe- we probably shouldn't be eating it.

I will also point out that there have been many studies done by Monsanto to prove that GMO's are safe.  However, pay close attention to these studies.  They occur typically within a 3 month time frame and are conducted by people in their employ.  Can you say- conflict of interest?!?

On the other hand, there have been MANY studies showing that GMO's are in fact not safe for human consumption.  Most notably, the recent one done by French scientist, Seralini and his team.  The big difference between these studies and the ones being conducted by Monsanto is that the timeline is much longer- 2 years instead of just 3 months.  This gives you much more data to explore and what he and his team found, was appalling.  Tumors, cancer, kidney and liver damage are among the many increased health risks they found.

Another important point to consider is the reason behind why these companies support GMO's.  Monsanto will tell you that it all comes down to being able to feed the hungry.  They are doing a grand and noble thing by making seeds that are resistant to bugs and weeds and will therefore allow the farmer to have a higher crop yield.  More crops, means more food- right?  Seems like a really great reason, doesn't it?

But did you know that organic farming practices produces the same amount of food and is sustainable for a much longer period of time?

Wait.  What?!?

Yeah....Monsanto doesn't tell people this.  Because if they knew- I think most of us would say, "why do we need Monsanto and it's chemicals when the natural methods work just as well?"  The truth is, we don't.

Parents- I don't know about you, but I simply don't want my child eating foods that could literally kill him.  This is what GMO's will do if eaten for a sustained period of time.  Not too mention all the other side effects like behavior issues, decreased immunity and allergies.  Seriously- let's stop and think.  Our kids are growing up eating this stuff.  There has never been a time in their lives when they were NOT eating GMO's.

It's a new world.  Let's just talk for a moment about the way we grew up eating.  My parents are fond of saying, "you ate this food and you're just fine."  But here's the thing- it's not the same food.  Are you listening?  It's NOT THE SAME FOOD!  Sure, it might look the same and taste the same but the ingredients that are used to make up this food are no longer the same ingredients that they used 20+ years ago.  Ah- the old bait and switch.

The food is different.  Why?  Well major corporations have found that by using GMO ingredients and other chemicals and toxins, they can make more food for less money.  And that's it in a nutshell.  Our food system is owned by just a handful of large companies that have found a way to make more money.  They simply don't care that the ingredients in your corn flakes are now literally made up of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides.  Say what?!?

So what's a concerned Mama to do?  How do you avoid a certain type of food that is literally in every single thing you come across?  How do you get rid of the GMO's?

The only fool proof way to know that you are not eating GMO's is to buy certified organic foods.  Food companies will try to trick you into thinking you are buying the "good stuff" with words just as "All Natural" or "Made with Natural Ingredients" but the only way to know for sure is to buy 100% organic.  Now, if you're too overwhelmed by all this information flooding your brain (it's alot, I know!) then simply look for these labels when out at the grocery store.

There are other simple things you can do- like buying from local famer's who use organic farming practices.  It's not just your breakfast cereal that is contaminated with GMO's.  You must consider the meat your family eats, the dairy, the eggs, the toast you feed your kids for breakfast, the rolls with dinner, the ketchup you put on your hot dog- EVERYTHING.

My advice from a Mom who's been there- terrified, appalled and overwhelmed....start small.  Make a few small changes that you know you can stick to and simply make it a priority.  My recommendation is to start with the animals.  Anything that comes from an animal, needs to be organic.  I won't go into the horrific details of why, but trust me when I say- if you make NO OTHER CHANGES, make this one.  And if you simply must know, Google "factory farms and GMO's" but don't say I didn't warn you.

From there you can move on to produce, snacks and condiments.  One small step at a time.

It all comes down to this- when your child takes a bite of their ham sandwich, will you feel good knowing you are nourishing their body?  Or will you make yourself sick thinking about the chemicals, poisons and health risks that are contained in the meat, cheese and bread?

You can do this.  I know you can.

Decorating for Christmas

Christmas is here!  Christmas is here!

And that means I can FINALLY break out the decor.  Here's the deal- our outside Christmas lights are turned on as soon as we are done eating Thanksgiving dinner.  This is the "official" start to our Christmas season.  On Friday, while the husband is at work- we are busy little elves transforming the inside of the house from Thanksgiving and Fall to all things Christmas.  It takes all afternoon but when we are done- it's magical.  Then, on Saturday, we venture out as a family and pick out our Christmas tree.  By Sunday- we are done and ready to enjoy this wonderful time of year.

Now- over the years, I've spent quite a bit of money and thrown out lots of junk in an effort to make my house look ah-mazing.

Here's a few things that I learned along the way:

• Choose a couple colors and repeat these in your decorations.  My colors are red and silver, classic Christmas.  They can be found in the florals I use, the garlands, the ornaments on the tree, the signs and plagues, the picture frames and candles.  You get the idea here.  By simply repeating a couple signature colors- it makes your decorations look intentional and adds an elegant touch.
• Incorporate as many family touches as possible.  I do this by framing pictures of Christmas' past and I have a couple handmade items that are super special.  Our nativity scene is also a hand me down from my Grandma and then my Mom.
• Select a theme or two.  There's so many trinkets and cute things to buy to decorate your home.  But too much and it will end up looking messy and cluttered.  By simply grouping items together or buying just snowmen or just Santas- it looks cute and kitschy.  You can also build these "groups" or themes in corners of your home.  Gingerbread theme in the kitchen, snowmen by the front window, Santas in the bathroom- you get the idea here.
• Take your time and buy with intention.  If I could say anything to my 20 year old self- it would be this!  Just because it's on sale, doesn't mean you need to buy it!  Think about the big picture and add just a few key items each year.

Alright, so now you've heard my tips for decorating your home for Christmas so it's time for me to share with you some of my decorations.  Yay!

Let's start with the entry.

Silver glitter "Merry Christmas" sign from Hobby Lobby for only $6.  Red and silver frame with poinsettia's on it, also from Hobby Lobby- this year and bought for $5.  Poinsettia glitter garland from Michael's- many many years old but you can buy similar for about $12 each.

As soon as you come into the house, you see our stairway. 

 I recently upgraded the garland's on the railing and decorated them myself.  If you were to buy these pre-assembled, the cheapest I've seen is $50 per garland.  Since I need three to cover the railing, I did it myself to save money.  I bought two of the 9 foot "pine" garlands from Michael's for $6 total.  Add in 3 of the poinsettia garlands for $12 each, one roll of red ribbon, 10 silver glitter pine cone "sticks" and 6 holly berry "sticks" and one long strand of white lights for a grand total of $45.  Much better then $150!

Next up in the tables and nooks in the living room.

 Holly berry picture frame from Kohl's, $7.  Red glitter picture frame from Hobby Lobby, this season and just $5.  Musical snow globe that was a gift many years ago.

Sign from Hobby Lobby, $10 and coordinating red and white glitter snowflake picture frame, $9.  Antique ceramic Christmas tree with lights- from Ebay several years ago for approximately $20.  I purchased this tree because it reminds me of my Dad's side of the family.  His sisters and Mom all had a similar style tree in their home during the Christmas season.

Black wooden candlesticks from Walmart, $15 for the set.  I bought these several years ago and LOVE them!  They might still have them, I highly recommend!  The red sequin candles are from Michael's and cost about $15 for all three.  Two bunches of fake poinsettia's ($6 each) that I put in a large vase and wrapped with leftover ribbon.  By wrapping the ribbon around the outside of the vase, you cover up the fake stems.  Red and silver picture frame from Hobby Lobby, $7.

Sitting atop my desk in our office area is our nativity scene.

My Aunt made the quilted runner underneath and the nativity itself is a hand me down.  First it belonged to my Grandma and then for awhile my Mom had it.  This was the nativity that I used to set up as a child and now my child does it.  This is what this season is all about, the birth of Christ and creating these perfect traditions and family memories.

Moving into the kitchen for the Gingerbread theme.

Super cute mini tree from Target- I got this on clearance about 8 years ago for just $3!  The stocking ornaments were made by my Aunt and the wooden gingerbread pieces were bought as a set off Ebay for about $10.  The two large gingerbread men were also bought on clearance from Marshall's for $3 each.  That's a total of under $20 for this cute gingerbread theme in my kitchen window.  Sweet!

These next photos are of our dining room which is just off the kitchen.

Let's start with the fireplace/mantel.  Our stockings where handmade by my Grandma, with the exception of the Winnie the Pooh and Dalmatian ones.  Those belong to our beloved Rat Terriers, Lucky Dog and Buddy Boy and were gifts.  On top the mantel is another poinsettia garland from Michael's for $12.  I've added a strand of white lights and some of those scented pine cones.  Red glitter candles and glass hurricanes complete the look.  These were both from Michael's and cost approximately $20 total.

The dining table is up next and features rubber place mats with the words "Let it Snow", I picked these up from Ross for just $4.  A Santa and Snowman salt and peppers shakers from the dollar store, for yep- you guessed it, only $1!  Red votive candles with silver glitter snowflakes, also from Ross for $4.  A white vase that was a gift from the husband, two bunches of fake poinsettia's from Michael's for $6 each, some leftover red and silver ornament balls all sitting atop a white and red linen napkins.  Super cute and easy!

And the last part of the dining room decor is the buffet.  My Mom just made me this adorable silver and gold table runner with red "Merry Christmas" accents.  She also gave me the matching silver snowflake candle.  It goes perfectly with the silver trees I bought from Kohl's several years ago for $15 total.  The wooden red "Believe" is an old purchase- sorry that I can't remember where from.

The kiddo also has his very own Christmas tree in his bedroom.  Sorry about the picture, but he insisted on taking it himself.

I bought the tree from Kohls' clearance for $12.  It's a fake one of course and has what we call "been snow kissed" meaning it has accents of white "snow" on the branches.  It is decorated with plastic candy canes, plastic snowflakes, some Disney ornaments and some that he made himself.

This weekend we will be getting our real Christmas tree and I'll be sure to update this post when it's all up and decorated!

After post edit: Our Christmas tree is up & decorated!
We ALWAYS get a living tree.  You simply can't beat that "Christmas smell"

So far- grand total spent on the inside Christmas decor is approximately $250.  I did this over several years, adding a new item or two each year.  If you shop wisely, it's possible to decorate your home for Christmas on a tight budget.

Baked A'Tato Soup

This is one of the husband's all time FAVORITE meals.  He and the kiddo could eat their weight in this soup- it's SO good.  And here's a fun fact for you, we call it "Baked A'Tato Soup" because this is how the kiddo says it.  It's not potato, it's a'tato and it's adorable.

Alright- back to the soup.

Baked A'Tato Soup

3 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 medium onion, diced
2-3 carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 teaspoons salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 medium/large russet potatoes
3 large red or yukon potatoes
heavy cream, optional

Step 1:

Warm oil and butter in a thick bottom large stock pot and cook your bacon.  When bacon is done, remove and let it drain on a paper towel.  Set aside and save for later.

Step 2:

In the same oil/butter, cook the carrots, celery and onion.  Season with salt and pepper.  When veggies are cooked, add in the flour until it thickens.

Slowly add in chicken broth and milk.

Step 3:

Peel and large chop your potatoes and add to the pot.  These do not need to be a perfect chop.  Tip- reserve about 1/2 cup of smaller diced potatoes to add in during the final 10 minutes.

Cook on low boil for approximately 30-60 minutes.  The longer, the better.

Step 4:

Get out your immersion blender and blend baby, blend!

When blended, add in the reserved potatoes.  If your soup is too thick, add in a bit more milk.  However you do want a thicker consistency so don't add in too much additional milk!  Cook another 10 minutes or until the remaining potatoes are done.

Drizzle in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end if so desired.  It's good with it but just as good without.

Serve with your reserved bacon and top with sour cream and onion.  SO good!



A word of wisdom from someone who could literally make this soup in her sleep- it's all about the bacon.  Seriously, with most dishes I will tell you that you can leave out the bacon, but for this soup, you simply MUST have bacon and you MUST cook it in the oil and butter mixture.  Because then you cook your veggies in that bacon infused goodness and that's what gives this soup such amazing flavor.  So whatever you do- do NOT skip step #1.  For the love of God, do not.

Thanksgiving Food Past

I was looking back at some of my old Thanksgiving food photos and couldn't believe some of the great things I had made.  Seriously- was I ever this awesome and on top of my game?!?

It seems like in the last few years, I just don't have the energy to go above and beyond.  Perhaps it's the fact that I'm busier now more then ever before.  Or maybe it's the constant homeschooling, cleaning, working, child caring and so on.  It wears on you and after awhile, I think we all just throw up our hands and say, "No More!"  I served green salad as the veggie dish for last year's Turkey Day for goodness sakes!  Ugh.  Gross.  Clearly I'm losing it.

So this year, I vow to get my Mommy Mojo back!

But before I do that- I want to share some photo's of Thanksgiving food past.  Yes, it's true...I used to be this awesome.

Let's start with these adorable bite sized pumpkin pies.  How cute are these?!?

Turkey cookies for the kiddos- complete with candy corn "feathers".

Shut the front door.  It's a fruit appetizer that looks exactly like a Turkey!

Up next- these adorable "Acorn" donut holes for Thanksgiving breakfast.

And finally, the Pumpkin Mousse Tart with graham cracker crust.

So clearly I am more then capable of tackling the Thanksgiving table.  I suppose I've just gotten burned out.  I think we all have moments in our lives where we "fall back" and simply take a breather.  But in looking at the last couple of years- I really haven't been putting forth the same amount of effort as I have in years past.  But you guys, this year- I'm gonna ROCK IT!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!  May your table be as bountiful as your beautiful life on this day and every day after.

Vegan "Not" Pea Soup

Ok, so this really is Split Pea Soup but we call it "Not" Pea Soup in our house because the kiddo says he doesn't like peas.  Although he happily gobbles up this soup no problem.  Eh- what he doesn't know won't hurt him!

This dish is super easy to make, cheap, filling and healthy.  Wow, now that's a winner in my book!

Not Pea Soup

1 medium onion, diced

After blending- SO good!

6 cloves garlic, diced
3-4 carrots, diced
3 small to medium potatoes, diced
1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt & pepper
8 cups veggie or chicken broth
1 bag dried split peas


Umm...hello!?!  How simple is that ingredient list!

Step 1:

Saute onions, garlic and carrots for approx 10 minutes.  Add in oregano and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2:

Add in potatoes, veggie broth and dried split peas.  Cook on low boil until the peas are done- about 1 hour.

Step 3:

Blend with your immersion blender until smooth.  Here's a secret tip for you all- I pull out a couple large spoonful of the peas before blending.  I also reserve about 1/2 cup of the diced potatoes.  Then, when you're done blending- add these back in and cook for another 10 minutes.  This way you'll have a few chunky pieces in your soup- which the husband loves!

So yeah- how easy was that?

This soup will make enough for 4 hungry people with leftovers the next day.  Amazing!!!!

Another Letter of Thanks To The Husband

Husband,

I am SO very thankful for you.

You are the backbone that holds up this family.  I am thankful for your hard work and your dependability.

I am thankful for your amazing support.  For encouraging me to grow, for offering to help me and for always being by my side.

Thank you for being a wonderful Father to our Son.  For showing him what it means to be a real man, for teaching him to love, for being his Hero.

I am thankful for your diligence in reaching the difficult people in our lives.  For stepping back and acknowledging the hurt but continuing to try and reach them even though they aren't listening.

I am thankful for your giving and kind heart.  For your desire to help those in need and to teach our son what it means to give a helping hand.  For your loyalty to your sick Dad and for teaching our son what "family" means.

Thank you for the way that you love me.  Deeply, insanely and all consuming.   I am thankful for your worry, your truth, thankful for your passion and for your partnership.

I am thankful for your willingness to do better.  To strive for more and to make changes when needed.

I am thankful for how you love our puppies and the care you show all living animals.

I am thankful for your smart head and mechanical aptitude.  I am thankful for your street smarts and your tough exterior.

I am thankful that only I know the real you.  That I am the one you count on, the one you lean on, the one you are your true self with.  Others see the persona you've created but have no idea who you really are- but I know.

But most importantly husband, I am thankful to be loved by you and to love you in return.

I am so very thankful for you.

I love you,
The Wife



Check out last year's Letter of Thanks and don't forget to write one of your own.  Thanksgiving is a great time to tell the people in your lives how thankful you are for them.