tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:00 +0000Trying to be myself, be a mom, have some style, have some fun... and do it all in an environmentally friendly wayhttp://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)Blogger546125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-8896991224456452206Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:00 +00002009-11-10T06:37:00.320-07:00recipeThis is the recipe I mentioned yesterday that we had for dinner last night. Yum! I adapted it from an old Cooking Light* recipe. I think I've mentioned before that I make my risotto in a rice cooker. Probably won't win any awards, but since I can't stand over the stove and stir constantly, it works for us.Southwestern Risotto4 cups vegetable broth1 T olive oil1 small onion, chopped3-4 garlic http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/QaIXkmxlKP0/southwestern-risotto.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)0http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/southwestern-risotto.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-4138414727786681066Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +00002009-11-09T18:37:34.076-07:00recipeAn exciting Monday in our house... school for both kids, vet visit for all three animals (we use a mobile vet who comes to the house - the best thing ever!), and some pepper roasting! A friend gave me some green chilies over the weekend, and I decided to roast them today even though I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with them. Either dice them up for Chile Blanco, make Gretchen's Green http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/zNTaPAu5j5s/roasting-green-chiles.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)3http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/roasting-green-chiles.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-8018046560821892056Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +00002009-11-08T06:27:00.196-07:00quotesbooksA couple more favorite bits from Simple Truths. These from the chapter On Love. I could quote the whole chapter (actually, I could quote the whole book!) but that is just too much typing for me.Love is more than the sum of the interests and attractions and commonalities that two people share. And just as life itself is a gift that comes and goes in its time, the coming of love must be taken ashttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/BhjQHhBqe5s/on-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/on-love.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-3418378847224134841Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:19:00 +00002009-11-07T22:38:24.535-07:00quotesbooksGetting this post in under the wire...One of my current favorite books is Simple Truths by Kent Nerburn. I read it over and over again. There is nothing in the book that I don't already know, yet something about the way it is written continues to inspire me. Here is a favorite bit from the chapter On Possessions.We must always remember that possessions have no inherent value. They become what we http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/XrJDwwQpRUo/on-possessions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/on-possessions.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-29094766448072568Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:25:00 +00002009-11-06T15:35:18.892-07:00recipeDay 6 of NaBloPoMo, and I'm already struggling. Where in the world did I find the energy and time to blog everyday when I first started?!?Thought I'd also share one of our favorite after-school snacks (although I don't usually make balls - just use as a spread)Cheddar-Carrot BallsSpeaking of school, Kate was the star student for her class (something about being kind and respectful to other http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/WmwAWWTwWcY/after-school-snack.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/after-school-snack.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-3313010699770096457Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:17:00 +00002009-11-05T08:38:36.260-07:00Get FitThis article made me smile.Blah is how I feel lately as I struggle to find motivation to get out and run as the weather turns cold. In my very short running career, I've always been a fair weather runner and basically stop running every winter (hmm... maybe that is why I've never gotten any better...) This year HAS to be different since I've tentatively committed to running the Austin half http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/kg6j-lVp79A/november-blahs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)5http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-blahs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-3050273195724801523Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +00002009-11-04T06:46:00.220-07:00I hosted my crochet/knitting group last night. The group is sort of an evolution of what was once playgroup for the kids, but older kids and busy moms make it tough to coordinate playdates now. There is usually some stitching happening, but mostly it is just an excuse to drink wine while eating chocolate and other yummy snacks.I did get a few rows done on a scarf that I am making for myself. Ithttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/bXLEFAILels/tipsy-stitchers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/tipsy-stitchers.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-5365036836283381787Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:09:00 +00002009-11-03T12:59:41.931-07:00I went to our local Origins store yesterday to get one of my favorite products - the charcoal mask. I ended up with their Mask Marvels set. Very excited to try the other masks. The stores have a promotion going on that if you spend $30, you get a free reusable tote. I often turn down free gifts, but the tote is nice. I'll definitely use it. If you want one, you have to hurry. The free totehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/3_WCx2I94Gk/origins-masks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/origins-masks.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-9202429437948106563Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:46:00 +00002009-11-02T08:51:01.821-07:00Okay, so I am going to try to participate in NaBloPoMo. Tiffany over at Colorado Mama is inspiring me. There has been much I've wanted to blog about over the last few months, but I often can't find the initiative to get it done. Hoping this challenge will help. I am not promising many long or interesting posts. Probably a lot of random thoughts. But at least I'll be getting them down.(and, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/zJhqc_ga4l8/nablopomo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/nablopomo.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-1831783027181559757Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:11:00 +00002009-11-01T07:30:18.543-07:00HolidayLast night, after having a yummy and fall-themed meal of roasted butternut squash and sage with penne pasta and salad, we quickly got into our costumes for trick-or-treating. The kids and I were straight from the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Kate was Red, Jack the Big Bad Wolf, and I became the grandmother.I had intended to make everyone's costumes, but convincing Kate to be Little Red http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/g4ws966PXLo/c.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)3http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/11/c.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-7611401412918668455Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:16:00 +00002009-10-31T12:35:43.469-07:00HolidayOur Halloween day checklistStay quiet getting up so Daddy can sleep since he had to work until 4am... check!Sneak some candy for Mommy's breakfast... check!Go see our friend/babysitter Rana at the costume shop after her all night shift... check!Eat breakfast at a diner with dressed up wait staff... check!Find the rest of Mom's costume at the ARC... check!Race home to say good morning to Daddy http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/6I5aXBy1RnY/happy-halloween.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-halloween.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-5239835713716877203Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:34:00 +00002009-10-26T11:34:00.567-07:00MountainsPhotosKidsWe were up in the mountains over the weekend, and the kids are getting really antsy for winter. Despite having only a little bit of snow on the north side of a hill, they insisted on going sledding...Luckily we got a few inches of snow that night so the sledding was a bit better the next day!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/ujWw904vBPc/ready-for-winter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/ready-for-winter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-7193438377113001671Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +00002009-10-25T20:33:42.704-07:00PetsWe had 3 of Oscar's 4 siblings come through our house on the way to their new homes. It was so much fun to have all the kittens!We originally brought a black and white kitten home with Oscar. That kitty went to live with my friend Kristen. She named her Rosie Rae (although Kristen just called tonight to let me know that she thinks Rosie might be a "he!")Two others that looked just like Oscar http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/WhuvpqfNM7g/kittens-kittens-kittens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/kittens-kittens-kittens.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-5774532457820096350Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +00002009-10-22T08:10:29.278-07:00We have a new addition in the family!Oscar. Sometimes called Oscar Du (after the Scandinavian game Husker Du that I like playing when I was little). Sometimes called Oscar Wilde. That name seems to suit him best at 3am when I'm trying to sleep. Argh!Nina Sprinkles LOVES him. They play and sleep together already. Our old cat Samuel isn't very happy with us right now.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/dMFjNXqGkBk/new-addition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)3http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-addition.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-631166110384912618Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:53:00 +00002009-10-14T10:02:54.673-07:00out of the mouth of babesMy conversation with Kate this morning while I had been joking with her about something..."Mama, do you know what your body is full of?""What?""Goof!""Goop?""No, goof! Like you are a goofball! You are full of goof!"With a chuckle and a tickle-hug I respond, "No, I think YOU are full of goof!"Then a few minutes later..."Actually, Mama, you aren't just full of goof. You are also full of love."http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/6jjInjQk4NQ/full-o.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/full-o.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-6075982734310711875Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:10:00 +00002009-10-13T13:23:38.074-07:00Jack was the first to fall victim last week. Started with a hoarse voice and croupy cough on Sunday, vomited Monday morning, had a fever by that afternoon. Ran one for just over 48 hours (I don't take my kids temps - it just freaks me out to see the numbers - so I don't know how high it was) Out from preschool for 3 days. Not so bad.Everything I read said to expect an incubation period of 4-7 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/TQ18PrNHcvo/swine-flu-in-house.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)6http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/swine-flu-in-house.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-494402070464821690Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:41:00 +00002009-10-08T09:45:39.822-07:00I'm all for supporting the use of reusable sanitary products, but this seems a bit much. As seen coming home from the gym this morning...I also keep wanting to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it means something else? Maybe her name is Gladys Rodriguez?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/9Ph4OLn10-I/vanity-plates.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)7http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/vanity-plates.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-1666868441609258454Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:29:00 +00002009-10-07T11:40:20.176-07:00kitchenGot up early on Sunday morning (thanks, Jack!) and started canning peaches before everyone else woke. Matt tells me that he loves to wake up to me canning in the kitchen. Says it just feels "homey" to him. I also like the warm, steamy kitchen and the sense of accomplishment so early in the day.These are packed raw with hot water. They are late season peaches (obviously since it is October) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/WMeM4ZCv83w/more-canning.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/more-canning.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-8386879211948487870Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:45:00 +00002009-10-05T15:28:20.830-07:00Let's start out by admitting that I'm not the cleanest car person (okay, who are we kidding... I'm not the tidiest person overall). Then you add in young children and their stuff (toys, books, school artwork, on-the-go snacks, etc). Then you add in my green guilt of throwing away anything that could be taken home and recycled or composted. Plus when we get home, I usually have other things to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/hQbLlKnFBZI/composting-on-go.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/10/composting-on-go.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-7334503533073181768Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:28:00 +00002009-09-29T17:43:54.435-07:00RunningMy birthday was good. Funny how birthday wishes come mostly electronically now! We rented The Aristocats and ate grilled cheese and tomato soup in front of the TV. We celebrated with a Josh & John's ice cream cake which we've been nibbling on for days. This is what I got as my birthday present. Completely unnecessary for my running capabilities, but oh-so-much-fun for play. I was going to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/RWV98GAsn_M/birthday-follow-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/birthday-follow-up.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-1828868170801179910Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:04:00 +00002009-09-25T10:56:35.127-07:0037 years old today. Doesn't feel quite as old as I thought it would.Today is going to be a good day. Normal-crazy morning getting the kids off to school, went to my favorite yoga class (which is free on birthdays!), and now having some quiet time before picking up the kids from school. I promised the kids we would have "movie night" tonight. We'll rent a video and eat pizza in front of the TV.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/nGegLzvAi1c/happy-birthday-to-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)5http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-birthday-to-me.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-3905373517073438375Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:48:00 +00002009-09-24T13:54:58.602-07:00The snowstorm we got on the last day of summerHappy Birthday to my brother Joey!The super-yummy pumpkin soup we made to celebrate the first day of autumnHow I resisted turning on the heat all week despite the cold weatherMy inability to figure out how to replace the batteries in the thermostat (which helped me resist turning on the heat all week since you can't turn it on with dead batteries!)My http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/DFJYiffV_-Q/all-things-i-meant-to-blog-this-week.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)1http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/all-things-i-meant-to-blog-this-week.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-5027815028973272066Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +00002009-09-19T12:01:57.896-07:00I love it when life overwhelms me! It makes me feel, so... alive! And I have felt so very alive the last several days. Certainly too alive to find time to blog, but I know that I will find the space and the inclination when the time is right. Maybe the time will be right this weekend while my mom is here on an quick and unexpected visit.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/3Z28fEhjOLs/life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)0http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/life.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-5663177793400548685Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:10:00 +00002009-09-15T06:10:00.568-07:00out of the mouth of babesWe were expecting my friend Gretchen and her little boy (who is exactly Jack's age - same birthday!) for a play date a couple weeks ago. Jack was going to sit on the front porch swing and wait for them to arrive while I took a much needed post-workout shower. Just as I was stepping out of the shower, Jack came into the bathroom asking that I join him on the porch to wait for our friends."But, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/vjL1IXTxrvY/total-honesty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)4http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/total-honesty.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857890.post-1923962315771528074Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:56:00 +00002009-09-14T05:56:00.136-07:00Last week was Jack's first week back at preschool. He is quite excited to be one of the big kids on campus (aka Pre-K). I opted to send him 5 days a week this year as he is a bit lost at home without Kate around (Okay, I admit that my motivation was also partially selfish, but I wouldn't have chosen 5 days if I didn't think he would enjoy it and wouldn't be good for him).So now I have two kids http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Greenstylemom/~3/uasJumtvgnE/first-day-of-pre-k.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GreenStyleMom)2http://greenstylemom.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-day-of-pre-k.html