The Garden

Garden 101

It's been way too long since I have written. So much going on with a baby on the way. One might expect that I would be organized since this is my 3rd child --- not the case here! 

As the end of the school year approaches, I find my head spinning trying to wrap stuff up for my kids. I'm no Super-Mom and would never claim to be.

One thing I did get done, all by my-pregnant self I might add...is...planting my veggie garden. This was no easy task since I can barely bend over to even put my shoes on. My husband is, well, challenged when it comes to gardening. He was so kind as to add one wheel barrow full of dirt to my garden beds. Oh honey, don't break a sweat now! I busted my ass and got my seedlings in the ground. Edamame, potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, peas, zucchini, kale, lettuce and an herb garden. Flower beds will be done this weekend.

I did all of the labor--no pun intended here. I have to say, it came out quite well. Now let's see what pops up. I get such satisfaction out of growing my own food & getting my hands in the dirt. 

Even if you have a brown thumb, I suggest buying a couple 5 gallon containers and planting your favorite veggie in it. Tomatoes & herbs are really easy. The great part about container planting is that you can move it around if needed. You can do this right on your deck or patio. Just be sure to use good soil. 

I buy all of my seeds at http://www.seedsofchange.com

It's a fantastic website for gardening tips and all of their seeds are free from genetic modification.

If you decide to buy plants, I suggest local and organic. It is certainly worth a couple extra bucks for the good stuff.

As my kids get ready for summer with their busy schedules, I find solitude and peace in my garden. It keeps me grounded  and is certainly a labor of love.

Happy summer all & happy gardening everyone!!

-Lisa

Lucky Me

I recently had a bit of a scare with a lump on my breast. I have breast cancer in my family so of course the first thing that went through my mind is that I'm going to die! Yes, I am known to be dramatic and yes, I did start to think the worst case scenario was about to happen to me.

I remember finding this lump quite a few months ago. After nursing 2 kids, my breasts have changed over the years and when I examine them, I am not always sure what the heck I am doing or what I am feeling. I never called my doctor and I just forgot about it for a while.

After an unexpected pregnancy with a 3rd child, I found myself lying down at the doctors office getting a routine breast exam. I saw that she stopped and spent a little longer in that one spot. She then had the nurse give me a feel and yep, they agreed that at the location of 12:00, there was a lump. The looks on their faces made me rather uncomfortable.

I was already scared about the fact that I was pregnant again at the age of 41. I thought perhaps my period was just late then, I saw my body change. While my husband was trying to zip up my dress for me before a wedding, he kept saying "suck it in babe, I can't get it zipped.." I WAS sucking it in!! My weight had not changed but apparently my chest size did. My mother said to me that night, wow honey, are you wearing a push up bra? Um, no mom. The dress is strapless! Made me start to think..

That was the first clue that I might be pregnant.

The sign could not have been more positive when I finally peed on the stick. I was in total shock. My daughter was 9 and a half and my son 4. I was done having kids...so I thought! But there it was...clear as day. That plus sign on the pregnancy test. I just sat there for a while. Locked in the bathroom (the only room with a lock and I wasn't leaving for a while!). I needed some time to process this information before facing the world.

So.. at my first visit to the obgyn, she found this lump on my breast.  I thought I was just knocked up and that would be the topic of discussion. Never thought we would be focusing on my breast.

Two months later, I finally got in for an ultrasound for my breast. No mammograms for pregnant women. I was scared. I wanted no obstacles to interfere with nursing this baby. I also don't want to die or lose my breast. My husband and I recently lost a friend to breast cancer. She was 41 and it was detected too late to save her. She left behind a husband and two small children. Truly heart breaking. This was not how I wanted my story to end.

Well of course I thought the worst would happen to me. I tried not to think about it. I only told my husband and mother. I can't stand when people worry about me or feel sorry for me. So, I kept it all in for a bit.

I enter the breast center in Greenwich and they marched us in like little soldiers. Three at a time. Please step into the dressing room, remove your top and put this lovely robe on open in the front.... (you call that a robe?).

Yes, I immediately got silly with the nurse. The atmosphere was way too serious and someone had to lighten up the situation. That would be me. I am famous for being inappropriately silly. Just ask my mother!

So then, I get examined or should we say, felt up by a very serious Russian lady. My goal was to have her crack a smile. I achieved it! And we even made eye contact as she squirted that lubricant on my boob. What a moment..

I immediately asked her if she saw anything. She paused (just to torture me I am certain) and then, she firmly said...No....I see nothing.

The Doctor came in and also did an ultrasound exam. She too saw nothing. Lets just say, I left there with a smile on my face and a snap in my step.
I was reminded that I was certainly one of the lucky ones. I paused to think about the women who walk out of there with terrible worry knowing they could lose a breast or even worse, their life.

In all seriousness, I know that I could have walked out of there with my head down and the weight of the world on my shoulders. For some reason, I am lucky. I won't question it. I will not take it for granted. I will honor it by living my life the way I always do, with a smile on my face and a snap in my step. For me, there is no other way to live my precious life.

I know many of you have had similar scares. The first thing I wanted to do was write down my thoughts and share them with women. We all struggle. We all get scared in life. I believe that what defines us is how we face these scary, trying times. It isn't always easy but I do believe a positive attitude and outlook on life makes all the difference. It does for me anyway and trust me, my life hasn't always been lucky or easy.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

Healthy Ideas Your Kids Will Love! ~Homemade Chicken Nuggets

How often do you get in a cooking rut? Same meals all the time....boring! <~~a quote straight from my 9 year old's mouth!

What kid doesn't like chicken nuggets? This is one dish I do believe my 9 year old will never tire of. So I do my best to make a homemade version.
Here is what we call "Grandma's Chicken" since the original recipe came from my mom.

You will need..

1 pound of boneless chicken (I use breast meat but dark meat works great)
2 eggs
A few tablespoons of olive oil (canola or any oil will work)
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 wheat germ
1 or 2 garlic cloves
salt
pepper
oregano

Step 1
Cut the chicken in nugget size pieces

Step 2
Scramble the eggs with milk in a bowl

Step 3
Put dry ingredients in a bowl

Step 4
Heat up a frying pan on medium/high heat

Step 5
Add the oil when pan is hot

Step 6
Put chicken in the egg mixture

Step 7
Put chicken in the dry ingredients

Step 8
Put chicken in the frying pan & add garlic (I smash the garlic but keep it whole. If you don't like garlic seasoning your oil, skip it)

Step 9
Cook chicken till brown on one side then flip it (usually takes a few 3-5 minutes on each side depending on the size of your nuggets)

Step 10
Take chicken out when fully cooked and place on a rack so the extra oil drips off.

~You can garnish it with parsley or Parmesan cheese. Just about anything goes with this recipe.

~If you prefer not to fry it in oil, you can bake it in the oven for a healthier version.

My kids like to dip it in some of my homemade marinara sauce but this chicken will go with just about any dipping sauce.

I like to make extra and keep some in the freezer for those busy days.

I came across this website from a mom blogger and thought it might be a good one to share..
So here is a link to this cool website that might give you some fresh ideas to spice up your meals in a healthy, kids friendly way.

Enjoy!
Weelicious ™ - Fast, Easy & Fresh Homemade Home Made Baby Food Babyfood Recipes, Toddler Food and recipes for the entire family!

This kid loves to eat!

Is Eating Healthy Really More Expensive?

Everyone is looking for that inexpensive, quick way to be healthy. Here's the deal, it's really simple..

Eat Real Food.

My motto is to keep it simple. Take a stroll through the produce isle. Educate yourself on the prices and take advantage of sales.

I have to admit, I rarely buy my fresh foods at the supermarket. I make every attempt to buy local from Farmer's Markets and farm stands. I know what I'm getting this way and I am supporting my local economy. Yes, it can be a little more expensive but for this mom, it's worth it.
I know this is not possible or realistic for everyone so here are a few alternatives..

If you are on a budget (like most of us), then shop mindfully. Trader Joe's has great deals on organic, fresh foods. My only complaint is the selection.  Your local super market is most likely carrying lots of organic items as well and this might be more convenient for you. I try to stay away from stuff grown in other countries. Read labels and know what you are buying.

I plan my meals according to the fresh items I buy at the beginning of the week. I go to the Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. I talk to the farmers. They take pride in what they grow and will often give you ideas on what to buy. Last week, my favorite farmer told me the turnips were as sweet as apples. I also bought Veal Sausage for the very first time. I was looking for chicken sausage and she sold me on the veal. I look forward to making my sausage and kale dish. It's like a treasure hunt for me. I know I am getting my family healthy food grown & prepared by passionate, organic farmers...the way food should be. Simple. So ask questions. Be proactive.

We all know that processed foods are convenient for our busy lives but is it really worth the toll it takes on our bodies? Why not make your own TV Dinners? You want convenience? You can have it! Pick a day of the week when you just cook. Make your favorite meal (and a lot of it). Freeze half of it. Sometimes, I freeze single portions of the foods I know my kids won't eat. This way, when I am starving, I just pull it out of the freezer, and bake it in the oven. Simple. Organic. Healthy. And is it really more expensive? You do the math.

I also chop up lots of veggies at the beginning of the week. If I need a quick snack, I grab some pre-cut carrots, broccoli & hummus and boom, a healthy snack. I know the chopping is a pain sometimes so my advice is to chop ahead. Anything left over at the end of the week can be thrown in a soup or stew. I make a pot of soup every week. I look in the fridge and see what's left from the week. Nothing goes to waste. I pull some homemade stock out of my freezer and get cooking. Simple, homemade goodness. I always have a ton of soup in my freezer.

So is it really more expensive to eat healthy? I think not. Have fun with it. Eating should be a pleasure, not a chore.

And one more piece of advice.. if the food you choose can out live you (I'm thinking Twinkies), than it's probably not a good choice. You decide.