The Loom of Doom & Other Fads

If there's one thing that Homeschooling has going for it, it's that my child doesn't get sucked into every single passing trend.

Remember these?  Pillow Pets....ah yes.  But now there's Glow Pets!

Or how about Silly Bandz?

And for the love of God- what scary business is this?!?

Now C'mon- admit it...you may have gotten sucked into this one!  Someone bought William the board game version of this- he has NO CLUE what Angry Birds are and was not super interested in it.  Not to worry, the folks down at Goodwill are sure to be enjoying these mad little birdies.

Not to be forgotten is the motorized scooter.  Yes, for the fabulous price of $300- you too can encourage your child to be lazy.  Why pedal when you can motor?

And currently I'm seeing this bracelet loom kit blowing up my Facebook.  So clearly that must mean it's this month's hottest trend, right?  The Loom of Doom- no thanks, I'll pass.

Sure he does get sucked into a few fads, it's only natural!  He does have "normal public school" friends after all who like to brag about all the awesome stuff they "need".  And let's not forget the horrible commercials pitched at kids from every angle.  To be honest- this is partly why we limit the TV consumption.  Ugh, I can NOT stand those commercials.  

For the most part, we've been able to escape the madness.  My son doesn't have a WII or Xbox or even a Nintendo 3DS.  To be fair, he does have a Nintendo DS but only because a family member gave him their old one.  There's no $100 shoes in his closet or motorized scooters sitting in the garage.  And I certainly don't feel the need to rush out and buy him any of these ridiculous things!

The focus for my family is on quality and toys and other items that will last.  Why in the world would I clutter my house with expensive crap that he'll forget about next month when the newest fad hits the market?  This is one house that clearly doesn't feel the pressure to keep up with the Jones' and I'm pretty happy that my son doesn't even seem to notice.

Thanks Homeschooling- you ROCK!

Buy a Local, Organic Turkey This Year

This is the 2nd year that I've paid a buttload for a local turkey.  And by buttload- I mean well over $50 for a 15 pound turkey.  YIKES!

So why am I doing this?  What makes this turkey so special?  Surely it must be stuffed with gold or something, right?

There's a few reasons why I buy a local turkey and why I encourage you to do the same.

1. It's better for you.  Local turkeys have usually been fed a non-GMO diet.  They are not pumped full of antibiotics, hormones and other chemicals.  So this means that you and your family are not eating these harmful toxins.
2. It's better for the turkey.  I always say that a local turkey is a happy turkey.  Insert any animal here- but you get the point.  This turkey has lived a great life.  It's been allowed to run and gobble gobble with it's friends.  In general, it's been raised and killed humanly- which is VERY important for me and my family.



The family that I support by buying local, the Diestel Family- 4 generations of turkey farmers.

3. You are supporting the little guy.  Think about it- do you want to support a major company like Butterball that is all profit driven?  Or do you want to vote with your dollars and support a local family?  I would much rather put my money in the hand's of my local economy.  Money that is spent locally, tends to stay local.  It's a win-win!

Not convinced yet?  Here's a great quick read on the 10 Benefits to Buying Organic Meats.

Ok, so you've decided to buy a local turkey for Thanksgiving this year.  So how exactly does one go about buying local meat?  It's actually quite simple.  You can buy your turkey from a local farmer.  Just google it and do a little online research.  Many larger farms offer the option to purchase online.  It's perfect!  I buy mine from a farm just 2 states away, The Diestel Family Turkey Ranch.  I am able to order my turkey from a local grocery chain that I trust, PCC.  If you can't find a local farmer, you can also usually buy one from your local grocery store.  We are fortunate that many larger chain grocers are jumping on the local/organic bandwagon- so picking up an organic turkey is much easier then it once was.

My local, organic turkey!

My recommendation is to always buy from a local farmer first.  And by local- I mean something within a days drive (maybe 2 days).  This ensures a fresh turkey!  After all, you don't want your poor turkey travelling halfway across the country before it lands in your mega chain grocery store.  If you can buy from someone you know or from a farm that's been recommended to you- all the better!  That's why buying from a local grocery chain that carries local meats is the best of both worlds!  

There's even some farms where you can pick out your turkey and they will email you photo updates on how your little turkey is doing!  Sometimes you can even visit your turkey!  While some folks think this is a bit morbid, I think it helps to teach you and your kids exactly what "farm to table" means.  Pretty sure there's a homeschool lesson in there somewhere!  

Here's a wonderful (and short!) video on the farm and the family where I buy my turkey.  Now this is what farming should look like!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Want to read more about buying organic meats?  Check out my post, An Organic Cow is a Happy Cow.

Thankful Tree

I posted a photo of our Thankful Tree over on the Homeschooled Housewife Facebook page.  I had several folks ask me how to make one.  So here it is- step by step instructions to make your very own Thankful Tree!

Step 1:

Cut out your tree "trunk" using brown paper grocery bags.  Remember back in the "olden days" when we would use these brown paper sacks to cover our school books?  Make the cuts in the bag just like you would for a book cover, simply cut off the bottom of the bag and unfold the sides to make one long strip.

Cut along the side.  Then completely cut the bottom of the bag off.

Next, you can trace a tree trunk design or do it free form, I prefer free form.  Just cut wavy lines and a wider base at the bottom.  I use 2 bags to make a nice long tree trunk.

Step 2:

Tape your pieces together and attach to your wall.  Make sure you are using tape that won't ruin your wall paint!  Holy Moly would the husband be pissed if I damaged the walls!

Use 2 bags for the trunk.  Create the tree
branches using the leftover scraps.

Step 3:

Use the scraps from your tree trunk to cut out tree branches.  Again, you can create a design and then cut or just wing it.  Can you tell I'm a fan of winging it?

Make sure that you have different size branches.  Make some longer, some shorter, some fatter, etc.  I also like to tape two branches of different sizes together to create a "V" shaped branch.  This will make your tree look more natural.

Step 4:

Outline your tree in black sharpie, especially if you have brown, beige or tan colored walls like I do!  This will make your tree stand out against your wall color.

Step 5:

Cut out leaves in Fall colors.  I prefer the Maple leaf because it provides more room to write your thankful message.  Here's the template I use that you can download.  For the leaf paper, I just use some of my son's construction paper and spend an afternoon cutting out leaves and watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.  Good times!

Make sure that you cut out enough leaves for everyone in your family for the month of November.  Don't forget to cut out extras for guests and visitors!

Step 6:

Each day have everyone in your family write their Thankful message.  Ours look like this:  I'm Thankful for___________.  William 11/15/2013.  Don't forget to sign and date them!  I also give any visitors to our home the option of writing their own Thankful leaf.  They can either take the leaf home with them as a reminder of what they are thankful for or put it on our Thankful Tree.

One Week into November & our
Thankful Tree is looking great!

TIP- Each year I keep the old leaves and make a garland out of them.  It's awesome to watch my son's handwriting change through the years and see what everyone is thankful for- now that is a truly beautiful thing!

A Letter of Thanks to my Husband

Husband,

I am SO very thankful for you, my husband.

I am thankful for all of your hard work.  Day in and day out.

I am thankful for the way you love me unconditionally.  For the times when you surprise me by bringing me home my favorite chocolate.  I am thankful for the times you remind me to wear more comfortable shoes and for the times you make me stop and rest.

I am thankful that we can laugh together and that you understand my "potty" humor.

I am thankful we created an amazing son together and for our special bond as a family of 3.

I am thankful for every day that I get to spend with you, even when you make me angry.  I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you and show you how much I love you.

I am thankful for the concern you have over my safety.  Reminding me to not be out after dark or to keep my mace handy.

I am thankful for your soft side and your kind heart.  For the love you show to those who are important to you.  I am thankful for your devotion to your sick Father and aging Grandmother.  For your love of our beloved puppies and your gentleness of spirit.

I am thankful for your loyalty to me during difficult times.

I am thankful for your hand to hold and your shoulder to lean on.  I am thankful for your strength and unwavering dependability.

I am thankful for your knowledge and ability to fix just about anything.  I am thankful for your mind and your aptitude.

But most importantly- I am thankful to be loved by you.

Husband- I am SO very thankful for you.

I Love You,
Wife

Grocery Budget Challenge- Week #4

While my intentions are usually very good, sometimes my follow through stinks!  What can I say- I'm a busy Homeschooling work at home Mom and it's been a super busy couple of weeks.  But here it is, we are down to the last week and I finally feel like I'm getting a handle on my budget. But I won't lie- it's been hard.  This week, I spent roughly $143- not too bad!

You may look at my meal plans and think "those are pretty cheap meals, why is she spending SO much?"  Well, the reason is that I like to stock up when items are on sale. I pack my husband a lunch each day for work- so that's where some of the budget is going.  I also include all toiletries and dog food in my budget.  And of course, occasionally I splurge and buy some organic ice cream or a big bottle of whiskey for my husband.

But there's another reason that it's been difficult to keep my budget under $150.  When shopping weekly, I am also adding to my stockpile.  Your what?!?

Ok, so if you read my blog, you know that I like to be prepared.  I keep emergency supplies on hand for my family and I try to buy just a little bit each week.  A couple cases of water, some toilet paper, extra jars of peanut butter- organic of course!  All these things really add up and make it difficult to stay under budget!  Hmm...do I hear another blog post in the future....

But let's get back to the Grocery Budget Challenge shall we....Week #4 Meal Plan, here we go!

Week #4

Monday

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup w/Rolls

Biscuits and Gravy for Breakfast w/Fresh Fruit

Tuesday

Garlic Pasta w/Green Salad

Leftover Biscuits and Gravy w/Fresh Fruit

Wednesday

Taco Salad

Blueberry Muffins & Fresh Fruit for Breakfast

Thursday

Crockpot Cheesy Vegetable Chowder w/Rolls

Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies & Oatmeal for Breakfast

Friday

Leftovers

Saturday

My 10th Wedding Anniversary!!!

Sunday

Freezer Meal- Red Beans & Rice

I've intentionally kept this week's meals fairly simple and cheap to make because my husband has requested pizza for lunch this week.  I buy him the Newman's Own pizza's which are about $5-7 per pizza, yikes!!!!  I usually buy 3 of these and make them last all week but that's about $20 of my grocery budget just on 3 pizzas.  Not good....I have tried making my own pizzas and I just haven't found a crust I like yet- so for now, I will buy the best pizza's I can find and I highly recommend these Newman's Own ones!

I will be baking a Pumpkin Bundt Cake for us to eat this week and also my Mini Pumpkin Pies to put in my freezer for Thanksgiving.  When hosting a large holiday meal- do as much ahead of time as possible!   I have also ordered my $60 organic, humanly raised Turkey for Thanksgiving from a local farm- so there goes $60 of my budget this week.  Oh yeah- did I mention holiday meals are coming out of my weekly budget!!!!!  Want to read more about my tips and tricks for hosting the holidays?  Click here!

Last and most important is my 10th Wedding Anniversary this weekend.  SO excited!  My husband and I will be spending the night in a fancy hotel downtown, eating out, visiting the Chihuly Glass Museum and not caring about our budget at all!  It will be fabulous!  Since we will be home right around dinner time on Sunday, I've planned ahead and simply grabbed one of my many freezer meals from my freezer stockpile.  There's that word again....stockpile.  I highly recommend you do this!  Now I can enjoy a great mini weekend away with my husband and come home to a healthy, organic home cooked meal- now that's awesome!

Curious to see how the previous weeks turned out?

Week #1

Week #2

Week #3

10 Years!

We did it!  We've made it to another milestone in wedded bliss- 10 years!

In some ways it feels like it was truly only yesterday when my husband and I walked down the aisle.  And then in other instances, it feels like a lifetime.  I am by no means an expert on marriage, perhaps in another 50 years I may have it all figured out!  However, there are some things that we've learned along the way and I'm feeling pretty confident with 10 years under our belts, that they just might be useful to you all.

Listen

Love

Forgive

And there you have it.  Those 3 little words that I quietly repeat to myself during hard times.  We all know there will be times of difficulty in every marriage- you wouldn't be normal if there wasn't!  And of course, when things are great, it's easy peasy!  But those 3 simple words can really make a difference when things aren't so great.

Listen to what your spouse is saying.  Really stop and listen.  Hear their heart.  Listen for the words that aren't coming, listen to their hurt and frustration.  Say to them "I hear you".  Let them know you are tuned in and doing your best to hear and understand.

Love your spouse even when you don't really like them.  Love them when they are difficult, when they make you angry, love them through sadness and upset.  That's when we need love the most!  A love so deep that sometimes it hurts- this is what will sustain you.

Forgive all sins.  Forgive them for forgetting an anniversary or for not getting you a Christmas gift.  Forgive them for hurtful words said in anger or for coming home late (again!).  Forgiveness covers a multitude of sins and will heal your marriage and your heart.

If you're married then you know marriage is hard work.  And I'm super proud of my husband and I for reaching this big milestone.  Here's to the next 10 years!

Weekly Guide To Hosting the Holidays

Being a fabulous hostess is all about the details.  Now, don't let that scare you!  With a little pre-planning and prep work, you can have a wonderful holiday.

Whether you're hosting 2 people or 50- timing is important.  Here's a breakdown of what you should be doing in the weeks leading up to your event.

6 Weeks

• Plan your guest list and extend invitations.  

4 Weeks

• Plan your main dishes.  If you will be having a farm raised organic turkey- you'll need plenty of time to pre-order.
• Order any items needed for main dishes.

3 Weeks

• Time to plan your menu.  Don't forget drinks!  Write down ingredients needed for your dishes and start buying them during your weekly trips to the grocery store.
• Bake your desserts and freeze.
• Decorate your home for the holiday.  If you need more decor or plan to add to your existing decorations, now is the time to do it!  Don't forget the outside!
• Start thinking about your outfit & your family's clothing for the special holiday.  Do you need to buy anything?  Now is the time to take care of that!

2 Weeks

• Cook and freeze your breakfast meal for your own family for the holiday.
• Do a fun craft with your kids to display at your event.
• Refill salt and pepper shakers.
• Clean and polish silverware.

Arrange a buffet table for a large gathering.

1 Week

• Make your final trip to the grocery store.  
• Pick up any items you've ordered for your event.
• Plan seating arrangements.  Will you be doing a buffet or formal sit down dinner?  Bring out extra seating if needed and clean.
• Iron table linens and hang.
• Call or reach out to guests via Facebook to confirm their attendance.
• Do a thorough clean of your house.
• Plan entertainment, music or fun activities if necessary.  This can include holiday music, charades, watching a holiday movie, etc.

2 Days

• Take desserts and breakfast meal out of the freezer and thaw in refrigerator.
• Cook all side dishes and store is refrigerator.
• Prep main dish.
• Time for a touch up cleaning of your home.

1 Day

• Time to get out your serving dishes.  Decide what will be on each dish and label it with paper and pen.  Arrange on your buffet or dining table.  
• Set your table.  Add special touches like personalized place settings or fold your napkins artfully.  Click here to view instructions- my favorite is the "fancy silverware pouch" design!
• Prep drinks and hor d'oeuvers.  Don't forget the glasses for your drinks!
• Continue prepping main dish if needed.

Day of Event

• Cook main dish.
• Warm up side dishes.
• Time to think about your desserts.  If they don't need to be warmed in the oven, then go ahead and plate them.  Otherwise, set them aside to warm up after dinner.
• Set out hor d' oeuvers.
• Make sure you have everything needed for your drinks.  Ice? Candy canes and marshmallows?  If you have kids attending- make sure you have something fun for them to drink.
• Prep your coffee pot and coffee service (creamer, sugar etc) for after dinner coffee.
• Quick clean of the guest bathroom.
• Take out kitchen trash.
• Welcome guests and have fun!

This is a comprehensive list for a major holiday.  However, it would work for a large birthday party or other major event.  The key here is planning.  I've hosted my share of holidays and large parties- quite a few the last few years in fact.  There's a few simple tricks that I've learned along the way.

Dessert Buffet with small, bit sized desserts
 alleviates some of the stress of holiday parties.

• Bake an arrangement of mini desserts.  Mini apple pies, cake pops, brownie bites, cookies etc.  These are all easy to bake ahead of time and freeze.  Then on the day of your event, simply arrange them all on a tiered stand and guests can serve themselves.  Nothing to warm up or fuss with on the day of the event-which means more time to worry about your other dishes.
• If you're hosting a large group- do a buffet.  Set all the food out on your kitchen bar or sideboard and allow guests to serve themselves.  If you have room, you could set up a table just for food.
• Have an area dedicated to drinks.  Set out everything your guests will need in order to make themselves comfortable and serve themselves.  Bonus tip- arrange your hor d ouvers on your drink table.  After dinner, replace the hor d'oeuvers with your desserts and add coffee service.
• Consider a signature party drink.  I've done spiked eggnog, hard apple cider, a mixed drink and even hot chocolate in the crockpot- complete with mini marshmallows and candy canes.



A signature drink adds a fun & elegant touch,
 like these Spiced Eggnog Shots.

• Plan something for the after party.  I usually have close family or friends that will stay after the event and I try to have something fun for us to all do.  We've watched movies, driven around and looked at Christmas lights, played domino's etc.  Encourage loved ones to stay for as long as they want.

It may seem exhausting- I know this is quite a list!  But by simply breaking it down into weekly tasks you can succeed in accomplishing everything and WOW your guests.

Grocery Budget Challenge- Week #3

Well here it is- Friday and I'm just NOW getting to posting Week #3.  Ooops- sorry!

The good news is that I did MUCH better this week and only spent $139 at Safeway.  WhooHoo!

Here was my meal plan for this week.

Monday

Leftover Pizza from the weekend

Tuesday

Pinto Bean Tacos

Wednesday

Chickpea and Quinoa Burgers

Alexa brand Fries

Thursday

Canned Chili and Rice 

Salad

Friday

Tex Mex Chicken & Rice Soup *Double Batch

Saturday

Macaroni & Cheese w/Salad *Double Batch

Sunday

Leftovers

This week I also made some Blueberry Muffins for breakfast.  My husband was on-call at work so did not get to sit down and eat a hot breakfast all week.  I also made some Applesauce Cinnamon Oat Muffins- which the kid LOVED and another batch of Pumpkin Bread to stick in my freezer.

Want to go back and see the previous weeks?

The Grocery Budget Challenge

Week #1

Week #2

Guidelines in the Running of Your Home

There's a few rules that I follow in the running of my home.  If you are a career housewife like I consider myself to be- then it's very important that your home reflect your work and that you succeed in your career.

My home is not large.  It's not new or fancy- in fact, it's a pretty normal home built in the 1980's.  But it makes me happy and I'm very proud of all the hard work myself and my husband have put into our home.  My house is also the place where almost all holidays, birthday parties and other events are hosted.  I think a major reason that folks feel comfortable in my home is because of the following guidelines.

• Your main living areas should be clean and free from clutter at all times.  Yes, a small amount of clutter exists in every home.  That's fine.  What I'm talking about here is stacks and piles of stuff.  Besides the fact that this is an eyesore it's also a health hazard.  Dirt and dust can collect, insects can be attracted to it and let's not forget that it can be a fire hazard too.  A Wife should always be cleaning and sorting through the large amounts of stuff all families accumulate.  It is your job to keep your home neat and tidy.  One easy way I accomplish this is by donating something monthly.  Sometimes it's just one small bag and other times it's several large boxes.  Always keep a box labeled "donation" so as you are sorting and cleaning, you can simply dump it into the box.  
• Toys should have a storage space that allows them to be out of

  

  Storage like this adds beauty to your home.

  sight.  You have kids, we get it.  But their stuff doesn't need to take over your home.  If you're like me and don't have the luxury of a playroom, then you need to find some excellent storage solutions.  You also need to teach your children to pick up after themselves.  The rule in my house is you can't get out a new toy until you put the first one away and for the most part- it works!
• There should never be any dirty dishes in your kitchen sink.  Your kitchen should always be clean. Simply clean up after yourself each time you're in there.  You should also never have dirty dishes piled on your counters, crumbs everywhere or food splatters.  That's just gross.  The reality is that you won't want to cook or spend any time in your kitchen if it's a disgusting mess, so keep it sanitary!
• Your dining table should be free of clutter and ready to serve

  

  A bowl of lemons is a simple &
   useful centerpiece

  the next meal.  I keep my dining table free from my son's homeschool projects, in fact he does all his work at our kitchen bar or his desk because I don't want my table damaged.  I always have a beautiful centerpiece that rotates with the seasons.  Sometimes it may be flowers, sometimes it's candles or a big bowl of apples or lemons.  I match my place mats to the centerpiece to create an intentional decorative display.  A few simple touches like this will make your home appear more elegant and inviting.
• The tv should never be on as "background noise".  Watch tv with purpose and when you are done, turn it off.  Besides the fact that most of it is just mindless crap- there's no need for extra noise in your home.  Encourage quiet and a peaceful atmosphere by simply turning your tv off.  You can also try putting on some soothing music or holiday songs.  This helps to create an inviting home.  And by the way, less noise equals less stress!  For holidays or special events I like to put on a little "mood music" to enhance the party atmosphere. 
• Guest bathrooms should always be clean.  Accomplish this by doing a light cleaning every day.  Every other day is sufficient if it doesn't get used often.  If you have a large family and your guest bathrooms get used frequently throughout the day, consider a twice daily quick clean.  I have a small downstairs bath and it is the MOST used bathroom in our house.  I clean it every day.  I also make sure to keep it stocked with toilet paper, soaps and nice candles.  You should also take care to have a nice towel in your guest bath.  During the holidays, I have a themed towel to match the season.  At other times of the year, I have a clean monogrammed towel.  These small touches set the tone for your entire home.
• Personalize your home and make it an inviting place for friends and family.  Decorate in a clean and simple manner.  Do not fall prey to trends.  Your home

  

  Use candles or flowers for easy
  seasonal decor

  should reflect your entire family- you, husband, kids and pets.  Include lots of family photos and special family heirlooms.  
• Rotate your decor with the seasons.  This helps build tradition and special memories for your family.  One easy way that I do this is by simply changing out the candles in my candles sticks.  For Fall I have beautiful rust orange candles, Winter I have deep red and Spring and Summer are a nice bright white.  You can do with with flowers and centerpieces too!
• Bake weekly and keep your baked goods on display so your

  

  Display baked goods in glass cake stands.
  Also doubles as beautiful & simple decor!

  family will be encouraged to eat them.  Freshly baked goods simply screams "home".  I bake something different every week.  Sometimes it's cupcakes other week's it might be blueberry muffins or coffee cake. I like to put my baked goods in a glass cake dome on my china buffet- I use it as decor!  Plus, baking at home is healthier for you and saves you money!
• Keep a well stocked liquor cabinet.  A good hostess always has a large variety of beverages and cocktails to offer to her guests.  You should also consider keeping easy to serve foods available should you have unexpected guests.  My favorite items to keep on hand are nuts, fresh fruit and cheese.  Super easy to make a small snack platter to welcome your friends and family!
• Do something fun and out of the ordinary at least once per month.  I love to surprise my family with a picnic in the backyard, popcorn & movies in our PJ's after dinner, chocolate fondue for dessert or even one of my son's favorites- dinner in the dark, which is basically just dinner by candlelight.  Take opportunities to make the ordinary extraordinary!  It is your job as Wife and Mother to give your family these wonderful moments in your home.

And my number #1 guideline-

Always pretend that you will have unexpected visitors at any moment.  Is your home clean?  A sink full of dirty dishes?  No food in the house?  Toys all over the floor?  Still in your PJ's?  Seriously...if you were to have someone stop by unexpectedly would you be embarrassed as to the condition of your home?  Or would you be proud to invite them in and offer them a drink?  By simply following the guidelines outlined above, you will be "visitor ready" at all times!


Want to read more about being a Traditional Housewife?

Marriage- A Traditional Housewife
How a Traditional Housewife Can Support Her Husband
The UNpopular Guidelines We Follow
Marriage- The Good Wife's Guide

Yogurt Berry Smoothie

Of all the smoothies I make, this is my #1, most favorite of all!

Super simple and healthy and so easy an 8 year old could make it.  Now if only I could actually get him to MAKE it....

My son drinks this at least once per week and my husband loves them too!  Whenever I whip up a blender full, I will always pour the remaining smoothie mix into my awesome Ice Pop Molds.  For those dying to know- yes, these are the EXACT same ones I use at home. I got the idea from 100 days of Real Food and I'm SO glad I did!

So here it is, my recipe for the easiest smoothie ever!

Yogurt Berry Smoothie

1 cup frozen berries

3/4 cup milk

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

2 tsp chia seeds

Sometimes I will throw in a little Kale and hope that the kiddo doesn't notice.  To which he always does!  Other times I will drizzle in a little local organic honey- but not too much!  Also- you can experiment with the milk and yogurt amounts.  Some like a thicker smoothie while others prefer something more "liquidy".  Ha!  Is that even a real word?!?

But seriously- how easy is this?!?  Just dump all the ingredients into your blender & away you go!  This recipe will make enough for two smoothies, so don't forget to double or triple if you need more!

Frozen Berries work best!

You can also use one kind of berries to make a single flavor smoothie.  Raspberry Smoothies, Blueberry Smoothies (BTW-kale taste GREAT with blueberries!), Strawberry Smoothies- seriously, anything goes here!

I usually make a Mixed Berry Smoothie using these tasty frozen berries from Trader Joes.  My son is not a fan of blueberries but they are SO good for you!  So this is an easy way for me to sneak them into his diet.  SSSHHH- don't tell!

Want to check out my other Smoothies?

• The PERFECT Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Green Smoothie

How a Traditional Wife Can Support Her Husband

My husband works a lot.

Today he will go on-call and he will most likely work all weekend.  Since he has just worked a full 50 hour week, will work all weekend and then work the following week- he will be one tired man!  Sadly, my son and I won't see much of him during these 2 weeks.  Unfortunately, this is a cycle that happens every 3rd week.  As soon as he recovers from one on call round- another one starts back up.  It's brutal!

My husband also loves his job.  He likes the company he works for and he's very good at what he does.  So even though this on-call portion of his job is very difficult, it's worth it in the long run.

Now as you can imagine, this would probably upset most wives.  It's a very demanding job and requires way too many hours away from home.  Thankfully, this job fits in just fine with our lifestyle.  You all know by now that I'm a Stay At Home Mom and that we homeschool.  If our son went to a traditional public school, he would probably never get to see his Dad due to the school schedule and my husband's work schedule.  Another point for homeschooling!

If you read my popular series about Traditional Housewives you know that I see my job at home as being the most important.  I make sure that my husband's needs are met so that he can focus entirely on work- especially during the on-call rotations.  So how does that translate?  What's a wife to do when her husband works way too much?  Here's a short list of 8 things that I personally do to support my husband.

1. Don't Whine and Don't Complain.  He works a lot.  He's doing his best to support his family and the last thing he wants is more stress from a nagging wife.  So shut your mouth and smile.
2. Feed Him.  Seriously!  Men are super focused on food at least my man is- so when work is especially stressful- cook him his favorite meal or bake him a special goody.  And don't forget to pack him a lunch for the road!
3. See To His Physical Comforts.  My husband's job can be very physically demanding.  And when he's just worked 20 hours straight, his body is ready to call it quits.  My husband appreciates a hot shower, Icy Hot cream on his shoulders and a stiff drink.  Make it happen ladies!  Go the extra mile and schedule a massage or chiropractic appointment!
4. Surprise Him!  If he's working all the time, I'm sure he misses his wife and kids.  So take a free moment and go surprise him at work.  Make your visit brief though since he's sure to have a mountain of work left to do.  Also make sure to bring him something to snack on!  You'd be surprised how this easy and thoughtful gesture will boost his spirits and help to keep him going!
5. Take Care of Everything at Home.  Everything.  He should not have to do a load of laundry or clean the dishes.  He's already done his job so let him relax.  Now I'm not saying that he should never help around the house.  I'm merely suggesting that when he's just worked an obscene amount of hours, don't ask him to work more. 
6.  Be His Soft Place to Fall.  We all need physical intimacy but equally important is a spiritual and emotional connection.  Your husband should be able to come to you and know that you will always listen and be available to comfort him.  Welcome him home with sweet kisses and open arms.  When he's worked all day long, you are his safe place and his quiet in the storm.  Make him glad to be home.
7. Be Considerate of His Time Off.  I strategically plan around my husband's on-call rotation.  I also know that the week before and the week after he's been on-call he is super tired.  This translates into a bad time to ask him to complete my Honey Do List.  And don't forget that he needs to time spend with his friends- so relax and try to give him the time he needs.  Sometimes easier said then done, I know!
8. Thank Him.  Let him know you appreciate all of his hard work.  That you respect his role as provider for your family.  We all like to hear a little positive reinforcement and husbands are no exception.  

I take care to follow all of these so that I can be a loving and supportive wife to my husband.  He deserves it for working so hard!