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Oct 2009

Stepping Lightly v19.0

In case you haven’t heard, we are attempting the act of downsizing. Long story short, we have put our house up for sale by owner, and hit the road. We are living out of our RV in AZ while DH spends time with his business partners doing projects for the winter months.

Our goal is to be able to sell our house to buy a nice plot of land in Michigan, build a house or a yurt, and have a small hobby farm and garden for food. Also, use the RV to travel around the country to see the sites, teach Val as we go, and James can work on the way.

My travel blog is up and more updated than this. Check it out at West of the Mississippi!

Picture courtesy of ~ http://www.mexico-with-heart.com/mex-images/beachumbrellaatop.jpg

Category: Stepping Lightly Leave a Comment

Aug 2009

Smoothie Recipes

Jennie

I was asked for some smoothie recipes, and although they are not too exciting I thought I’d share anyway. (These both make enough for my DH and I. Adjust accordingly.)

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

2 bananas

1/2 box of strawberries

1/4 cup water

3-4 ice cubes

2 teaspoons omega 3 fish oil

2 teaspoons wheatgrass powder

I mostly try to do raw foods in the smoothies, but I like this one too.

Tropical Smoothie

2 bananas

1/3 fresh pineapple

1/4 cup orange juice

4 T organic yogurt

4 ice cubes

We’ll be trying this Raw Vegan Apple Smoothie this morning!!

Picture courtesy of ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanan/104282165/

Category: Recipes Leave a Comment

Aug 2009

Update!!

Jennie

Foody update ~ It has been quite awhile since I have done Meal Plan Monday on a regular basis, but to be honest I have not done well planning meals and sticking to the plan lately. At.All. At least I’m honest, right? We find ourselves before dinner throwing things together or making a quick trip to the grocery store to put together something.

We are in the process of eating more raw foods, more fruits and veggies, and more organic. We are trying to start each day with a smoothie that has omega 3 supplement and wheatgrass powder added. It’s quite the process, and difficult to handle when eating out or eating with family and friends that don’t eat the same. But…we’re trying.

Speaking of food, Baby V will start solids tomorrow to celebrate her 6 month birthday. She has been exclusively breastfed until this point, and I wouldn’t start feeding her foods until I read some books on the issue. My favorite so far is Evie’s Kitchen by Shazzie. It talks about how to raise a raw baby eating only vegan so she talks a lot about supplements and it has TONS of recipes. Recipes for us parents too. V will not be raised completely raw or vegan, but it has too much information on eating healthy that I couldn’t pass it up!!

Chicken update ~ Remember these babies? Now they are red and big, but not big enough to lay yet. They even have a new coop that James built by himself. How cool is that?!

Job update ~ I’m officially a stay at home mom since my coaching resignation will be approved tonight at the school board meeting.

What’s new with all of you?

Category: Going Green, Meal Planning, Work 6 Comments

Jul 2009

Meal Plan Monday

Jennie

Monday ~ Fettucine alfredo with broccoli

Tuesday ~ Veggie pot pie

Wednesday ~ Tacoes

Thursday ~ Mushroom swiss burgers

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~Lentil sloppy joes and fried potatoes

Sunday ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans

For more ideas, visit Org Junkie.

Category: Meal Planning One Comment

Jul 2009

Stepping Lightly v18.0

Jennie

This past week, I have realized that I have been called to my home. I have been working on taking time to make a nice dinner, keeping up with my chores, and taking the time for me. I have been listening to the Raw Mom Summit interviews, and I am currently working on the Q&A.

The 4th of July weekend can be consuming, filled with lots of activities, and you lose track of your home and the needs of your family. I will be spending time with extended family – spending time with family from NC, spending time with my mom so she can play with V while she is mourning the loss of a friend, and celebrating my nephew’s EIGHTH birthday!!

How are you going to have a simple 4th of July weekend?

Picture courtesy of – http://schulen.eduhi.at/hsgunskirchen/hot_pot/English/More1/family_clipart.jpg

Category: Stepping Lightly One Comment

Jul 2009

Watermelon Lemonade Recipe

Jennie

Watermelon is my favorite summer fruit! It just screams summer to me! On a hot day, there is nothing better than a cold slice from the fridge. Except maybe a tall glass of…. watermelon lemonade.

I have not tried this recipe yet, but I know I’m going to love it. Watermelon, lemonade, in a cold glass…. hello to the perfect summer recipe!

For more ideas, visit We are that Family.

Category: Recipes 2 Comments

Jun 2009

Meal Plan Monday

Jennie

Upon request by my Mom, I am back on board with Meal Plan Monday. I am trying to be consistent… it’s just hard with baby V.

Monday ~ Spaghetti with maranara and a side salad

To do: Soak beans

Tuesday ~ Spicy rice and beans

Wednesday ~ Mushroom swiss burgers and potatoes on the grill

Thursday ~ Black bean burgers and tuna salad

Friday ~ Pizza biscuits and salad

Saturday ~ Veggie pot pie

Sunday ~ Fettucine alfredo with garlic bread and salad

For more meal ideas, visit Org Junkie.

Category: Meal Planning 2 Comments

Jun 2009

Spicy Rice and Beans Recipe

Jennie

I was asked for my recipe for spicy rice and black beans, so I thought I would make a new post for it.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic brown rice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1 medium pepper (your color of choice)

1/2 cup diced celery

3 garlic cloves, medium

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 15 ounce can of red kidney beans or black beans

2 cups canned Italian tomatoes, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package.

2. Coat skillet with oil over medium heat. Add scallions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and paprika. Saute until veggies are softened.

3. Add beans and tomatoes. Simmer until beans are heated through and most of the liquid has evaporated – about 10 minutes.

4. Remove bay leaf. Transfre rice to a large serving platter and spoon the beans over the rice. Serve.

Recipe from Yogi in the Kitchen

Category: Uncategorized 3 Comments

May 2009

Meal Plan Monday

Jennie

Sorry I missed out on Stepping Lightly this week. I was busy back in my kitchen, taking care of the chicks, and getting bigger chickens so we can have eggs sooner. I will try to post this week, so I can update you on the new happenings!

Until then.. my weekly menu!

Monday ~ Nachoes

Tuesday ~ Ravioli with pesto

Wednesday ~ Cheeseburgers and homemade fries on the grill

Thursday ~ Spicy rice and blackbeans

Friday ~ Frozen pizza

Saturday ~ Brat patties with canned veggies

Sunday ~ Mushroom stew in the crockpot (with homemade bread?)

For meal ideas, visit Org Junkie.

Category: Meal Planning 2 Comments

May 2009