NW Momma

Super Easy, No Cook, Homemade Play Dough

2011-01-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

I discovered this super easy, cheap to make, no cook, homemade play dough recipe on a website called Instructables.com. I had made homemade play dough in the past, but the recipe I had required cooking and then cooling of the dough. This recipe is SO much better because it's super fast to make and requires no cooking! I'll never make it any other way again! This is a great recipe also because it's incredibly cheap to make. It's much more affordable than store bought, and you can control the colors you want by how much food coloring you add. I used the new NEON food coloring and my daughter just loved the bright colors! This is a great rainy-day project!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water
1 cup flour
food dye (any color)

This will make one batch of dough. Make as many additional batches of dough for each color you desire.

STEP ONE-- Add ingredients:
Measure out 1 cup of four, and pour it into the bowl.
Then, measure out 1/2 cup of salt, and add that to the bowl, too.
Fill the measuring cup with 1/2 cup of water and pour it into the mixing bowl.

STEP TWO-- Mix ingredients

Using a spoon, mix up the ingredients. Mix it until it's not too watery or flour-y.

STEP THREE- Add food coloring

Add a few drops of food dye to the mush. Then pick it up and start kneading it. You can add more food dye to improve color if desired.

My daughter loved the bright colors of the neon food coloring!

STEP FOUR-- You're Done!
If the dough is a little sticky, knead a little bit of flour into it.

HAVE FUN!!!!

HELPFUL TIP:

Wear gloves when kneading the food coloring into the dough. The food coloring will stain your hands.

FUN VARIATION:
I made one batch and left out the food coloring. My daughter made her creations and then I baked them on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for 1 hour. After they cooled, she painted them. This was a fun way to keep her creations forever!

I made a batch of play dough but left out the food coloring. My daughter made this adorable octopus and I baked it in the oven at 200 degrees for one hour. I let it cool completely and then she painted it.

Here's the finished painted project! Now you can keep your kids cute creations forever!

My Own "State of the Union"

2011-01-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

If you read my previous post on Setting Goals for 2011, you know one important trait successful people have is they WRITE down the goals they want to achieve. There is something about putting pen to paper that helps to solidify information in our brains and gives the information more value. I saw this principle played out time and time again when I was in college: the most successful students weren't necessarily the brightest students, but they were amazing at taking notes in class!

I think the best example of effective goal setting is the President's yearly State of the Union Address. First, a review of the previous year, both the successes as well as the failures helps to define the current state of the union. Before we set our new goals, we should do the same and take time to honestly review the prior year. What worked and what didn't? Next, a well written list of goals for the upcoming year is created, highlighting all the President and his team want to accomplish. Second, the President shares those goals with those who will hold him accountable, in this case the Congress. And lastly, he must take action in order to move his agenda forward and reach those goals. Obviously, there is great benefit in writing down your goals, sharing those goals with others (for accountability) and then taking action on those goals. In other words: WRITE IT, SHARE IT, GET TO IT!!!!

I spent some time after everyone went to bed and the house was quiet to write out my goals for the upcoming year. Being a person of faith, I spent some time in prayer, seeking wisdom and guidance before I wrote even a single word. I believe we each have a purpose, and I want my goals to align with that greater purpose. Then I spent time thinking about the person I want to be. I want to be a good example to my girls. I want to be a loving and supportive wife. I want to be a reliable and trusted friend. I want to be a charitable and giving person. I want to work on certain areas of my life with greater discipline, such as my health and finances. Then I included some really ambitious goals, ones that even I think are going to be really tough to attain, but these are GOALS and if I make them all easy to attain, what's the point?

I wrote them out with a Sharpie: no erasing, no going back....permanent marker, permanent changes. I ended up with 14 Goals for 2011. I know most goal-setting experts would say no more than 10 is ideal, but I want to be ambitious, to stretch myself. After all, if I aim for the stars and hit the moon, that's going to be quite an achievement! Then, I stuck the list up on the fridge for all my family to see. I want their accountability, I need their accountability and I want them to know they are reason I'm striving to reach these goals in the first place.

I hope you'll write out your goals for 2011, share them with your family and take action! Momma's are amazing people! Create your own "State of the Union". Set some goals, achieve them and amaze yourself!

There is joy in the journey!

Thanks friends!

Kat
(a.k.a. NW Momma)

Where Do You Want To Go in 2011?

2011-01-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

I'm EXCITED for the new year! As an avid believer in goal-setting, I love the feeling the new year brings, a chance to reflect on the past year and start planning for a fresh, new one. As we turn the page on the new year, the first question you and I must ask ourselves is:

Where do I want to go in 2011?

If you haven't thought about this, then I can assure you, you won't reach your goals. How can you navigate the ship of your life if you don't know where you're going? The old adage says, "Most people don't plan to fail, they fail to plan"... and it's really true! As moms, we are the LEADERS in our family. As such, we need to think about where are we leading ourselves and our families in this new year. Good leaders, whether in business, politics, or any endeavour all share some basic common traits:

1) An effective leader HAS A CLEAR VISION of what they want to accomplish.

Do you have a clear vision of want you want to accomplish both individually and as a family in 2011? Do you want to volunteer more? Help out at your child's school more? Save more? Get out of debt? Get your health, finances, relationships in order? Do you want to work on strengthening your marriage, increase your time with the family, learn something new? You need to spend some time thinking about your goals and have a CLEAR VISION of what you want to accomplish.

2) An effective leader listens to INPUT FROM OTHERS.

Talk about these goals with your spouse and kids! Getting input from the whole family helps to define a shared vision and common goals you can all work toward. Imagine the lessons learned while striving toward a shared family goal and the wonderful sense of accomplishment you'll all share when you all reach that goal!

3) Effective leaders WRITE IT DOWN.

Whether you write your goals in a journal, on a piece of paper stuck to the fridge, or create a family poster highlighting the goals for 2011, all effective leaders record their goals by writing them down. Keep them where you can be reminded of them easily. This provides daily encouragement, keeps your goals out in front of you and keeps you thinking about them on a daily basis. It also provides some accountability as you share your goals with others by making them visible, (which makes them more concrete) and gives others the opportunity to ask you about them and how you're progressing!

4) Effective leaders DON'T GIVE UP. There are going to be challenges ahead as you work toward your goals, but effective leaders don't give up. They are successful because they push through when others would just give up and say it's too hard. Anything worth having is worth working hard for! All the best things in life require hard work and dedication: a good marriage, happy, well-adjusted kids, financial independence and security, etc. And here's the hidden benefit: we appreciate things more when we have to work for them. If it's just handed to us, we rarely attach much value to it.

I hope you'll look at yourself in a little different way in 2011. I hope you'll see yourself as a LEADER in your family. I hope you'll use some of these techniques of effective leadership to move yourself and your family toward important and meaningful goals. I hope 2011 is your best year yet!

There is joy in the journey!

Thanks friends!

Kat
(a.k.a. NW MOMMA)

Turkey Leftovers? Try Yummy & Super Easy Turkey Noodle Casserole

2010-12-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Mine was full of family, friends, laughter and joy! So many blessings and I'm so thankful!

I'm looking forward to the New Year with some new goals and some hints to help us all stay more organized so we can spend more time with the ones we love! Stay connected to NW Momma for some real life inspiration, encouragement and helpful hints to make your life a little bit easier in 2011!

My first after-Christmas post is a SUPER EASY and YUMMY Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe to use up those turkey leftovers! I know after cooking and baking all week, the last thing I want to do is spend more time in the kitchen, so this tried and true recipe takes mere minutes to make. Ahhh, more time to relax on this Christmas vacation and enjoy the family!

There is joy in the journey!

Thanks friends!

Kat
(a.k.a. NW Momma)

Easy Turkey Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:

(Serves 8)

Directions

Stir the soup, milk, peas, turkey and noodles in a 3-quart casserole. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.
Bake the turkey mixture at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Stir the turkey mixture. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture.
Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread crumb mixture is golden brown.

*Note: The great thing about this recipe is that you can modify it with whatever you have on hand. Some popular modifications are:

- add broccoli instead of the peas
- add a small bag of frozen mixed veggies instead of the peas (make sure to defrost first).
- use cream of chicken soup instead of the cream of mushroom.
- top with cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese.
- for a little extra kick add 1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.

Make it easy on yourself! Use what you have on hand! Enjoy!

TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN -Easy and Delicious Peppermint Bark

2010-12-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the look-out for easy recipes that can serve as a thoughtful gift for teachers, neighbors and co-workers. And as usual, it seems I'm always pressed for time! Here's a tried-and-true, easy and delicious peppermint bark recipe. Put it in a pretty tin and you have a great last minute gift that anyone would love! Make sure you make an extra batch for yourself...it's addictive!

Holiday Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels
24 hard peppermint candies

Directions

LINE baking sheet with waxed paper.
MICROWAVE morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.*
PLACE peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other heavy object. While holding strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.
SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

NW Momma Featured Business- Leanne Kuhlman of WATERLAND WELLNESS MASSAGE

2010-12-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

Doesn't a relaxing massage sound wonderful right about now? Ahhhh.......absolutely! I don't know of any hard-working NW Momma who couldn't use and deserve a relaxing massage, especially during the hectic and stressful holiday season! If you could use a little "mommy time", I highly recommend Leanne Kuhlman of Waterland Wellness Massage, in Des Moines, WA. Leanne is a Licensed Massage Therapist, with many happy (and relaxed) clients! I'm very excited to highlight Leanne Kuhlman of Waterland Wellness Massage as a NW Momma Featured Business!

As an added bonus, Leanne is giving NW Momma followers an amazing BOGO offer! Buy one regular massage at the regular price and get another massage for FREE! (see full details of offer below). Wouldn't this make an excellent gift for a friend or family member? You can enjoy a relaxing massage and get a gift certificate for a massage for a friend or loved one, and the best part is you only pay for one massage! Thanks, Leanne...that's an amazing offer!

Want to know more about Leanne and Waterland Wellness Massage? Check out the following interview I recently did with Leanne. If you're looking for a caring, professional massage therapist, look no further, Leanne Kuhlman is just that!

NW Momma: "What brought you to massage therapy?"
Leanne Kuhlman: "I want to help others and contribute to our collective well being."

NW Momma: "What are your specialties?"
Leanne Kuhlman: " I love spa work (Swedish massage, aromatherapy, hot stone therapy), but I also do treatment therapy (deep tissue, hot stone therapy for injury treatment and myofascial release)."

NW Momma: "Why should clients choose you?"
Leanne Kuhlman: "I know what it's like to be a massage client, I know what its like to seek healthful relief from debilitating pain, and I know what works for me so that I can translate it to my clients well being."

NW Momma: "How can people benefit from massage therapy?"
Leanne Kuhlman: "Massage therapy is just now being studied and understood for its many benefits in the modern world of healthcare. To name a few, massage increases circulation, eliminates toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system, decreases sympathetic nervous system response (i.e. "fight or flight", stress, cortisol production, adrenal response), helps to flush lactic acid from muscle tissue (lactic acid buildup is what makes our muscles sore after working them hard). How's that for a few benefits?" (she smiles)

NW Momma: "Any new products or services we should know about?"
Leanne Kuhlman: "Waterland Wellness Massage features handmade salt and sugar scrubs along with custom aromatherapy products such as massage oils and spritzers, utilizing only natural ingredients and botanical essential oils."

NW Momma: "What sets your business apart from the rest?"
Leanne Kuhlman: "Waterland Wellness Massage is a cozy, comfortable place to come and rejuvenate. My goal is to make my clients feel at ease from the moment they walk in the door."

If you're in the Seattle area, I hope you'll consider Leanne Kuhlman at Waterland Wellness Massage for your next massage experience! Check out her page below for even more info about Leanne and the fabulous services she offers at Waterland Wellness Massage!

About Leanne Kuhlman, LMP

Email: lkuhlman@waterlandwellness.com

WaterlandWellness Massage

www.waterlandwellness.com
22014 7th Avenue South
Suite 106
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 824-1441

Honoring the Great Circle through the healing arts
I am a licensed massage practitioner in the State of Washington. I graduated from Massage Connection- School of Natural Healing in Tacoma and have also completed Reiki I and II training.

Massage therapy is my second career and it is my true calling. My first career is landscape architecture which I also love and have been practicing for 12 years. I have been asked why I chose massage therapy, since at first blush it seems so unrelated to landscape architecture. My answer is that massage therapy and landscape architecture are not so very different at all when viewed through the lens of my philosophy. I believe in the sacredness of all life and the interconnectedness we all have to our environment, to ourselves and to every living thing. I have simply added my positive energies to promoting the health of my fellow human being as well as the health of the landscaped environment. Massage therapy is my true calling because of the sense of fulfillment I receive when I know I have assisted in the improvement of my client's well being. It is my belief that when we take responsibility for our own well being, and when we promote our own good health, we satisfy a deep core desire that in turn buoys our sense of self worth, endorphin production, and mental outlook. It becomes a positive repetitive cycle that leads to improved vitality. As your therapist, I am committed to assisting my clients along their wellness journey through the benefits of physical and energetic touch therapies.

Spa Type Treatments:
Gone Fishin’ massage: (30 min - $35)
Unwind with an upper body massage focused entirely on the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
Shoalwater massage: (60 minutes - $65)
A relaxing Swedish massage using long, soothing strokes to unwind the mind, body and spirit.
Beachcomber massage: (90 min - $125)
Find a fabulous treasure of relaxation with a hot stone massage using smooth hygienically purified stones placed on the body to treat aching tissues at a deeper level. Intensely relaxing!
Aromatherapy Sessions:
Aromatherapy Session (Initial session): (Allow up to 60 min - $45)
Your health and well being is often influenced by factors beyond the physical. In an initial aromatherapy session, your background and symptoms are explored to prepare a regime to assist you in improving your overall well being.
Calm Seas Aromatherapy massage: (45 min - $65)
Enjoy a calming session of relaxation for the back, neck and shoulders. The upper body is massaged with a custom blended aromatherapy lotion created just for you. The back is then wrapped in a heated therapy pack, and the session closes with deep tissue therapy for the back, neck and shoulders. Recommended for chronic stress and back pain.

*Fee includes massage and custom blended essential oils aromatherapy lotion. An aromatherapy session may be required prior to this service so that the client has the right blend prepared in advance of the scheduled massage.
Dead Sea Salt Scrub massage: (65 min - $75)
Do you know the difference between a salt scrub and a sugar scrub? The answer is dry skin! For a greater exfoliating effect on more thick and dry areas of skin, a salt scrub is just the ticket. Salt is slightly more abrasive than sugar. Sugar is great for areas of thinner, less dry skin and has a gentler exfoliating property than salt. Pamper the hands and feet with a Dead Sea Salt Scrub handmade by Waterland Wellness from all natural ingredients. The salt scrub is massaged into the hands and feet while you sit back and relax with a soothing eye pillow. Next, the scrub is rinsed off and both hands and feet are wrapped in warm moist towels while you enjoy a Swedish relaxation massage for the arms, legs, back and neck.
Sailing Away Sugar Scrub massage: (65 min - $75)
Relax with an aromatic arm and leg massage using an Organic Cane Sugar handmade by Waterland Wellness from all natural ingredients. The sugar scrub is massaged into the arms and legs while you sit back and relax with a soothing eye pillow. Next, the scrub is rinsed off and both legs are wrapped in warm moist towels while you enjoy a Swedish relaxation massage for the arms, back, neck and feet.
Signature Shoalwater massage: (90 min - $95)
Indulge in complete relaxation with a full body massage featuring warm herbal packs and soothing aromatherapy massage lotion of your choice, along with foot reflexology and a hydrating hand & foot treatment.
Pregnancy Massage:
Marvelous Mama massage: (65 min - $85)
Specifically designed for the mother-to-be, this prenatal massage is received in the side-lying position with plenty of pillow support. Features full body massage with concentration on low back, hips and feet to ease the pressures placed on mama with the growing baby. Deeply relaxing and extremely helpful for the aches and pains common in pregnancy. For second and third trimesters only.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Orca massage: (90 min - $95)
Deep tissue massage specifically designed to treat soft tissue injury and to promote oxygenation of the area and stimulate the body’s own healing process.
Medically Necessary Massage:
Injury treatment billed at $65 / hr.
This work involves extra time for a pre-evaluation and post-evaluation of stride, range of motion, and postural stance for each session. Therapist will report patient’s progress to referring physician, at an occurrence as requested by the physician, or every 3rd session. Hydrotherapy may also be incorporated as necessary.
Energy Work:
Level II Reiki session: (60 min - $65, 90 min - $90)
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

My Room

BOGO details:
Terms- One bogo per client. $65.00 for a one hour massage to be paid at completion of first massage. Gift certificate issued at that time for the free one hour massage valued at $65.00. Gift certificate is good for one year beyond date of initial massage. Mention NW Momma BOGO when booking appointment by phone. May pay for initial massage with credit card over the phone or in person after initial massage. I can accept Visa and Mastercard, but cannot accept AmEx or Discover at this time. BOGO cannot be used in conjunction with any other special or coupon. One hour massage can focus on relaxation or injury treatment per clients wish.

Welcome Laura! The First NW MOMMA Guest Blogger!

2010-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to welcome Laura Cameron as the first ever NW Momma Guest Blogger! Laura is a mom, high school foreign language teacher, amazing cook and world traveler! She's smart, strong, kind, and creative....definitely a true NW Momma! Thanks Laura for your contribution to NW Momma and I encourage all the NW Mommas out there to share your talent here and be a Guest Blogger, too!

I'm Dreaming of a Blue Christmas

By Laura Cameron

My grandmother almost always had blue lights on her Christmas tree. Blue is not a color traditionally associated with Christmas decorations, but I thought her tree was spectacularly beautiful and wondered why more people didn’t use blue instead of red and green. The lights she used were large, and the bulbs were hot to the touch (no stay cool LED lights or tiny twinkles were to be had in the 1970s). My aunt and I used to spread a blanket on the floor and slide ourselves as far under the tree as we could.

Flat on our backs, we’d stare up at the branches and whisper about the tree, with its cool azure light, fresh smell of fir needles, silvery threads of tinsel, shiny ornaments. It was a secret place of wonder : a fairy land where we could disappear (even though our feet were sticking out from under the tree) and lose ourselves in the magic anticipation of the lovely things to come: presents, sweets, stockings, family dinners and Santa. Blue is the color of peace and childhood dreams.

I Have Talented Friends- Share the Love- Be a Guest Blogger!

2010-12-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so blessed to have the most LOVING and TALENTED friends. I am constantly AMAZED at how CREATIVE they are. Some of my friends are FANTASTIC COOKS, some are really good at ARTS & CRAFTS and SCRAP BOOKING, and ALL are WITTY and INSIGHTFUL, with helpful ADVICE and INSPIRATION to share!

So, all my family, friends and followers out there, SHARE YOUR TALENT and join NW Momma by being a GUEST BLOGGER!

I know you do something AMAZING.

I know you have something to SHARE.

Come on, it's EASY.

Share a favorite RECIPE.

Show us how to MAKE SOMETHING.

Tell us what INSPIRES and ENCOURAGES you.

YOU are TALENTED and AMAZING and YOU INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE me everyday! I want to share you with the whole bloggy world!

You can email me at katrincrum@hotmail.com or let me know on my NW Momma facebook page, or leave a COMMENT here.

I'm looking forward to seeing who my first GUEST BLOGGER will be!

There is joy in the journey!

Thanks friends,

Kat

Why I Kicked Perfectionism to the Curb (and why you should, too) Part 2

2010-12-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Kat and I'm a recovering Perfectionist........

Sometimes I feel this is how I should introduce myself.... it would explain so much! I think many people, especially women and moms in particular, share the same struggle I do with Perfectionism. It's tough out there in "Mommy World". We put tremendous pressure on ourselves to be the PERFECT MOM. Many of us strive to be THAT MOM: beautiful, organized, with beautiful, well behaved, brilliant children, living happy, well-adjusted lives with everything going perfectly all the time....the very picture of PERFECTION. Well, I have come to learn THAT MOM does NOT EXIST. I'm here to encourage you, to LIGHTEN UP on yourself. Quit comparing yourself to other moms and the fantasy of THAT MOM. Get a cup of coffee, sit down, spend 5 minutes reading this post and let me save you years of MISERY. Let me share with you how to recognize PERFECTIONISM and how to OVERCOME it.

In Part 1, we learned that Perfectionism, while not an addiction like alcoholism, is a powerful BELIEF. Perfectionists believe that perfection can and should be attained and that any work (or output) that isn't perfect is unacceptable. We also learned that Perfectionism has both a positive and negative side. On the positive side, Perfectionism can be a driving force which enables people to overcome great obstacles and achieve their goals. Many top athletes, famous artists and people of great achievement have been known to have perfectionist tendencies. On the flip side, the negative aspects of Perfectionism are many and can be damaging: low self-esteem, difficulties in intimate relationships, depression and workaholism to name a few.. I'm here to tell you, THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF PERFECTIONISM FAR OUTWEIGHS ANY POSITIVE BENEFITS!!!!

Maybe you're not a full-blown Perfectionist like I was (I'm in recovery, remember?) Maybe you just dabble in it once in awhile, just sticking your big toe in that murky and churning water every so often when the pressure of your life builds. No matter the level of your experience with Perfectionism, you need to recognize the signs of it, so you can stop before you find yourself drowning in self-loathing and anxiety. Here are a few questions to ask yourself. BE HONEST.

1) Do you feel like a failure if there are areas of your life which aren't perfect?
2) Do you feel extreme anxiety when you think you may have made a mistake?
3) Do you have a difficult time admitting you were wrong?
4) Are you overly critical of yourself?
5) Are you critical of others at times?
6) Do you find it difficult to take a compliment, or accolade?
7) Are you a workaholic? Do you put goals ahead of relationships?
8) Do you eat too much? (Due to anxiety/stress)
9) Do you eat too little?(Due to anxiety/stress)
10) Do you think you "could have done better" on a given task, even if it was done well?
11) Do you procrastinate at times because you want to be able to accomplish a task perfectly?

If you see yourself in the above questions, you may be struggling with Perfectionism and if you are, you know the pain it is causing in your life. However, there is HOPE. Recognizing it is the first step! Good for you! Now you can begin the process of RECOVERY. Trust me friend, I'm right there with you and you'll be so glad you did!
Okay, so what now? How do we keep our Perfectionism in check? Here are some of the things that have helped me immensely in my struggle to stop using Perfectionism as a coping tool and start coping in a more healthy manner. I hope they'll help you, too!

1) Do my best, and Give God the rest--- All we can do is try our best. THAT'S IT. That is all that is required of us and all we can do. If you have given it your all, then turn the rest over to God. This leads us to our next step....

2) Turn it over to God and then LEAVE IT THERE. Don't pick it back up again. You've done your best, now LEAVE IT. Don't continue to obsess, worry and second-guess. Just know that you gave it your all and MOVE ON.

3) Be KIND to yourself. Would you ever treat a friend the way you treat yourself? Heck no! We are so good at encouraging others, but can't seem to do that for ourselves. You aren't perfect and that's okay, nobody is! Remind yourself of what you have accomplished, the blessings you have in your life, the people who love you. If you are as bad as you think you are, would you have so much GOOD in your life?

4) Accept failure. Now I'm the first one to say we should strive to do our best, and we should, but the reality is we are going to fail at times. It's OKAY. It's NORMAL. It's NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Put it in perspective and LEARN FROM IT. Be the fist to admit it. Laugh about it if you can!

5) Don't take yourself and life TOO SERIOUSLY. Really, we need to lighten up on ourselves. If the house isn't perfect, the Christmas card photo isn't just right, if we make a mistake at work, what is the worst that can happen REALLY? People won't stop liking and loving you just because you made a mistake. In fact, when you're not acting so darn PERFECT all the time, they might be able to relate to you more!

I hope these posts on Perfectionism have been helpful to you. I struggled for so many years, and still do, but I'm here to tell you that you can overcome Perfectionism and lead a more fulfilled and joy-filled life! Sometimes it rears it's ugly head when you least expect it, but you can recognize it and decide NOT TO STAY there in that angst-ridden place. You can kick it to the curb in that moment, until you need to kick it to the curb next time! There is JOY in the Journey!

Thanks friends,
Kat

Why I've Kicked Perfectionism to the Curb (and you should too) PART 1

2010-12-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Perfectionism , is a belief that perfection can and should be attained. In its pathological form, perfectionism is a belief that work or output that is anything less than perfect is unacceptable. At such levels, this is considered an unhealthy belief, and psychologists typically refer to such individuals as maladaptive perfectionists.
___________________________________________________________________________
I had one of "THOSE" mornings this morning. My sweet hubby, who is up before me, usually wakes me up at the same time every morning, woke me up late and my whole morning was off to a rocky start. I was running late, and it seemed the kids were moving in slow motion! I was barking at everyone. I was grouchy. I was stressed. I didn't want my youngest daughter to be late to school and so I was running around like a crazy woman and did I mention I was grouchy?

After I dropped my daughter off at school ( she made it on time, but barely), I took a moment to look at why I was feeling so much anxiety. I concluded it's my old friend and nemesis, Perfectionism, rearing it's ugly head again.

I have struggled with perfectionism most of my life. As a child I remember when I was learning to print in school, erasing my letters over and over again to get them "perfect". As a teen it surfaced in other ways. On the surface I didn't look like a perfectionist. My room was messy, I would often procrastinate on my homework, then cram to get it done at the last minute. ( I found out later that procrastination is a sign of perfectionism). But here's the thing, despite my messy room, I wanted to look perfect and went to great lengths to do so. Even though I crammed, I still wanted to get really good grades and for the most part, I did. The perfectionism was still there, under the surface, pushing me.

My struggle with perfectionism really kicked into high gear in college. I started college as a single, unwed mother at age 19, with a 12 month-old daughter. To say I was overwhelmed, is an understatement. Alone in Seattle, balancing parenting, a full load of college classes, and two jobs, at times it felt impossible. But I was determined. I was driven. I would not accept failure. At that time perfectionism was my friend. I used it to my advantage. During most of those 4 years I was seriously sleep deprived. I would go to class and then to work, take care of my daughter in the evenings with dinner, bath time and bedtime, and then would start my homework after she fell asleep. For most of those four years I slept an average of 4-5 hours per night. It wasn't the perfectionism that motivated me, I wanted my daughter to have a better life and I knew I had to get a college degree in order to do that. She was my biggest motivator, but perfectionism was the faulty coping mechanism I drew upon in order to get it done. I ended up graduating with a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Journalism in the top 10% of my class. Yes, perfectionism does have a positive side.

I continued to use perfectionism as a coping tool in my career and saw the benefits. I tended to be a workaholic, and was loved by my employers because I was always willing to go the extra mile to "get it done". I was an employers dream. I needed no outside motivation, I provided it for myself. I was my own worst critic and judge. I kept striving to do better and better and to be more and more perfect. I didn't need my boss to give me a pep talk, I was always pushing myself. The result? I was really good at my job. I won awards. I was recognized as one of the best in my field. My clients loved me because I was constantly striving to make them happy. A strong work ethic I learned from my mom and wanting to help people, were my motivation, but Perfectionism drove me.

According to the authors of the book "Too Perfect" perfectionism can have a positive and negative side:

"In a positive form, perfectionism can provide the driving energy which leads to great achievement. The meticulous attention to detail, necessary for scientific investigation, the commitment which pushes composers to keep working until the music realizes the glorious sounds playing in the imagination, and the persistence which keeps great artists at their easels until their creation matches their conception all result from perfectionism".

Further more, researchers have found, high-achieving athletes, scientists, and artists often show signs of perfectionism. For example, Michelangelo's perfectionism may have spurred him to create masterpieces such as the statue David and the Sistine Chapel. Perfectionism is associated with giftedness in children. (Perfectionism in psychology, reference.com)

So, perfectionism can have a positive side, but I argue the down side of Perfectionism outweighs any potential benefits!

Inits pathological form, perfectionism can be very damaging. It can contribute to underachievement, procrastination, fear of failure, the all-or-nothing mindset, paralyzed perfectionism, and workaholism.
In intimate relationships, unrealistic expectations can cause significant dissatisfaction for both partners . Perfectionists may sacrifice family and social activities in the quest for their goals.
Perfectionists can suffer anxiety and low self-esteem. Perfectionism is a risk factor for obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, self harm and clinical depression.

So how does the negative side of perfectionism affect my life personally? Oh, let me count the ways!

I'm never fully happy with myself.
I don't enjoy compliments, awards or accolades because deep down I don't feel I deserve them.
I often feel like a failure.
I often feel I could have done better.
I have a hard time admitting I am wrong.
I put unrealistic expectations on myself.
I put unrealistic expectations on others.
I'm often critical of myself.
I'm often critical of others.
I have a need to feel in control.
I don't feel joy when I should.
I'm often afraid of failing.

Reading this list reminds me of how much perfectionism has cost me, no ROBBED me of the some of the joy in my life. It's really such a terrible trap. It's a trap because even when you strive and strive and achieve success, the perfectionism doesn't allow you to enjoy it! So, is it a good way to cope? Obviously, the answer is NO. And of course, there's the obvious fact: NO ONE IS PERFECT, EVER. We know all this logically, but unconsciously, we are driven to keep trying. WHY? Because it is a way to feel safe.

According to Mallinger and DeWyze, the authors of "Too Perfect", "Perfectionists are obsessives who need to feel in control at all times to protect themselves and ensure their own safety. By being constantly vigilant and trying extremely hard, they can ensure that they not only fail to disappoint or are beyond reproach but that they can protect against unforeseen issues."

Growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father, who abandoned his family only to return periodically and terrorize them, my home life was often emotionally chaotic. I can see why I developed perfectionism as a faulty coping mechanism. I wanted to have control over something in my life. I couldn't control my parents divorce, my father's alcoholism and subsequent anger and violence, but I could control me. As a child I thought if I was good enough, my father would love me and everything would be better. This began my life-long struggle with perfectionism.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 TOMORROW:

SIGNS YOU ARE A PERFECTIONIST AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT

See you then! Would love to hear your comments on this post!
Thanks friends,
Kat

NEW BOGO! Buy One, Get One Free MASSAGE- exclusive offer for NW Momma followers!

2010-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, NW Momma is excited to announce an AMAZING offer for NW Momma followers only! A buy one free, get one free event sponsored by Licensed Massage Therapist, Leanne Kuhlman, of Waterland Wellness Massage!

Buy one (1 hour) Massage for regular price ($65.00) and get a second (1 hour) Massage for FREE!

Wow! That's a $65.00 value! Buy a massage for yourself and give one as a gift for a friend!
Makes a GREAT gift!

Here are the simple details of this offer:
1) You must be a "follower" of NW Momma. It's easy to join as a follower, just click the "Become A Follower" on the right hand side of my blog.
2) You must mention NW Momma when purchasing your Massage(s).
3) This offer is valid only when purchased and booked with Leanne Kuhlman at the Waterland Wellness Massage location in Des Moines, WA.
4) This offer expires Jan 5, 2011.

Please contact Leanne Kuhlman directly at the number below to take advantage of this FANTASTIC offer!

Leanne Kuhlman, LMP
Licensed Massage Therapist

WaterlandWellness Massage

www.waterlandwellness.com
22014 7th Avenue South
Suite 106
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 824-1441

NW Momma is now on FACEBOOK and a NEW EMAIL SUBSCIPTION feature!

2010-12-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited for a couple of reasons! First, NW Momma now has it's own facebook page! You can become a "FAN" and keep up on all the latest posts and giveaways right from your facebook page! You'll notice on the right hand side I've added a tab that says "FAN ME ON FACEBOOK", you can just click on that and viola! you'll "Like" NW Momma on your facebook page!

Also, I've added a new EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION tab on the right hand side as well, which is so handy because it allows you to receive the latest posts from NW Momma right in your email inbox! It's super easy and ensures you won't miss a thing on NW Momma!

And finally, I'm super excited because tomorrow I'm announcing a special BOGO (buy one, get one free) offer for NW Momma followers only! It's a fantastic offer you won't want to miss as it involves a FREE MASSAGE!

I'm so happy to extend NW Momma to facebook and make it convenient for you to get recent posts in your email inbox. I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment and connect!

Check in tomorrow for the FREE MASSAGE BOGO! And thanks again to all my friends, family and followers who are giving me such wonderful encouragement in the creation of NW Momma!

Together In Our Shared Journey- Creating A Meaningful Gift

2010-12-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

As we approach the holidays and enter the season of gift-giving, I'm always trying to find meaningful gifts to give my friends and family. As I reflect on some of the most meaningful gifts I've been fortunate enough to receive over the years, one in particular stands out in my mind; a lovely haiku written by my niece Laura.

Haiku is centuries-old, traditional Japanese poetry consisting of three phrases. The first line must have 5 syllables, the second line must have 7 syllables and the third line must have 5 syllables. Laura's haiku written for me described some of the traits she appreciated about me. I was amazed at how those three little phrases could be so touching and personal. I think this is why people love to write (and read) haiku; they are brief, but deeply meaningful.

Many of us were taught, and maybe even tried our hand at writing haiku in elementary school. This is the beauty of this type of poetry, even children can understand the simple format and and can learn to express themselves by writing haiku. This form of poetry lends itself to a variety of topics. The sky's the limit! A favorite vacation, a best friend, the family pet, the changing seasons or a special holiday could be a good start for a child's haiku, or yours for that matter! To start, begin brainstorming and writing down thoughts about your given topic. Then work your thoughts into phrases using the the 5-7-5 format. The following is a very simple example of this format:

To write a haiku (5)
One must be able to count (7)
To five and seven (5)

As you can see, it's very simple! As I've started learning more about haiku, I've found some nifty sites devoted to haiku writing. One that I love is www.haikuwithteeth.com. It has a handy syllable counter that lets you type in the phrase you want to use and it will tell you exactly how many syllables it contains. Another useful website is www.thesaurus.com, where you can find more interesting words to liven up your writing. I encourage you to try writing haiku! Once you start, you'll see why it has been so popular for so long.

As you search for a personal and meaningful gift to give this holiday season, I hope you'll consider writing haiku! One idea is to include your children and spend some time writing haiku together, and then create a book of poetry to give as gifts...what grandparent wouldn't love that?

I hope you'll share your haiku with me here at NW MOMMA in the comment section below this post. I'd love to hear from you!

Here's the haiku Laura wrote for me:

Katrin
Emerald green eyes
A courageous heart beats
Holds wisdom inside

I was so touched, I wanted to return the favor, so here's a haiku I wrote for Laura.....

Laura
Kindly globe trotter
Speaking languages of love
Steadfast secret twin

And here's one I wrote about Christmas eve at our house......

Christmas Eve
Sweet children laughing
Smells cozy of fir tree and cider
Peace and love live here

Happy Holidays and Happy Writing!

TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN-- Grandma Cameron's Apple Pudding

2010-12-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Cameron was an amazing woman! She was the original NW Momma! It seemed there was nothing Grandma Cameron couldn't do! She grew a fantastic garden every year, canned fruits and vegetables to share with friends and family, sewed, knitted, crocheted, and baked her own bread. She also enjoyed singing, playing the piano, painting, ceramics, and writing poetry. Whenever friends or family would visit her small, but cozy home nestled in the trees in the Columbia River Gorge, they would be welcomed with love and the most delicious food they had ever eaten. Everyone loved Grandma Cameron's apple pudding and your family will love it, too!

GRANDMA CAMERON'S APPLE PUDDING

1/4 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 c. finely chopped peeled apples
1 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg and apples.
Sift dry ingredients together. Add to apple mixture; mix well.
Spread into a greased 8-inch square baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Cool. Serve with milk or whip cream on top, if desired.

Iva H. Cameron
Stevenson, Washington

I love it warm with milk on top! Yum!

FAMILY TO-DO LIST: DECEMBER 2010

2010-12-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

1) GIVE TOGETHER. With the holidays coming, local food banks need extra help. You can donate food, cash or your time.

Seattle:

http://www.northwestharvest.org/

SW Washington:

http://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/

Portland:

http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

2) PLAY TOGETHER! Find some snow! Downhill ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, go tubing, or just build a snowman. The great thing about living in the Pacific Northwest is you can get to snowy mountain destinations quickly and easily no matter where you live. Check out this great link to Washington State Parks for family-friendly destinations for snowy fun:

http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/

3) BAKE TOGETHER! Cookie Cutters bring out the child in all of us! This sugar cookie recipe is so easy, you'll want to make extra batches to decorate and give to friends and neighbors! Your kids will love decorating these with you!

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
Decorate!

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/Detail.aspx

4) CRAFT TOGETHER! Make salt dough ornaments in your microwave! Want a Christmas craft you can make with your kids that will become a treasured ornament for years to come? This recipe for salt dough is really easy because you make it in your microwave! Decorate these ornaments with your kids and they will last for years to come!

Salt Dough Ornament Recipe

Supplies:

4 cups of flour

1 cup of salt

1-1/2 cups of hot water

holiday cookie cutters

decorations - glitter, paint, beads, etc.

Microwave Salt Dough Ornaments

Directions:

1. Half of the dough recipe featured above is enough to make all the ornaments shown above, plus some extras. You will also need paint in red, green, white, and gold, plus green glitter paint, and trims such as iridescent stars, pom poms, mini candy cane erasers, and glitter chenille stems.

2. Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut a variety of snowmen, Christmas trees and stars. Use a toothpick to make a hole for hanging, being sure to make the hole a little larger than you will want as they tend to close when baking.

3. Using a microwave-safe plate (not paper or cardboard), microwave a plate of your ornaments for 1 to 4 minutes, increasing the time by 1 minute increments and keeping a close eye on the microwave as the ornaments bake. Microwave power levels differ greatly, so use high power in a less-powerful oven, but lower it if your oven tends to heat things very quickly. You don't want to risk a fire! Let the ornaments cool completely before decorating.

4. Snowmen: Base coat white. Paint hats black. Use paint or markers for eyes, nose, mouth and buttons. You can also use paint to add a scarf, unless you are using chenille stems. Take one chenille stem and, leaving enough stem to form an arm on the left, wrap the stem around the neck, and form another arm on the right. Cut off excess stem and bend each end in a 1/4" to form hands. Add mini candy cane erasers if desired.

5. Stars: Base coat white or gold. Add green glitter paint, or outline with gold paint or glitter paint, if desired. Glue an iridescent star in the middle of each ornament. Take a chenille stem and, leaving a little extra at the top to form half a loop, bend the stem around each star point, pushing in with your fingers until the stem will retain the star shape. You will find the stem ends at the top with some extra left over. Bend both of these end lengths together to form a hanging loop.

6. Christmas Trees: Base coat green, then re-paint with green glitter paint. Add gold and white accents in a "garland" effect, then use red to add red "balls" to the tree. Glue sparkly pom poms or two iridescent stars glue together on top of the tree if desired.

Variations: These are just some of the possibilities for decorating your microwaved salt dough ornaments. This is also a good kid's craft or group project - just microwave several batches of ornaments and provide a variety of paints, markers and embellishments to let everyone excercise creativity. Properly dried the ornaments should last for years.

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/salt-dough-ornaments.shtml

5) CREATE A FAMILY TRADITION TOGETHER! Go Christmas caroling, make Christmas cards and take them to a retirement home, shop for a Christmas gift for a needy child in your community...... Ask your child(ren) what they would like to do as a new family tradition and then involve them as much as possible. Creating traditions binds families together with shared memories.

TOGETHER IN MAKING MEMORIES-- Christmas Magic Thanks to Mom

2010-11-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the holidays. Despite the hectic schedule, the overwhelming shopping to-do list, and the crowded stores, I still look forward to this special time of the year. I owe my love of all-things-Christmas to my mom. She took extra time and care to make sure the holidays were a special time for my five siblings and me. Mom would start right after the Thanksgiving festivities ended, and the transformation of our somewhat shabby 1909 Victorian house would begin in earnest.

First, my older brother and I would be sent out on a quest for the perfect tree. Our old Victorian had very tall ceilings, so Mom insisted we find a tree at least 12 feet tall. So off my brother and I would go, to our favorite place in the woods a few miles from our home. Looking back, I think we must have been tromping around on some one's private property, (and chopping down their trees), but I was just a kid at the time, and so I always told myself my brother had probably asked permission first...at least I hoped he had!

One year we had an early and heavy snowfall which left nearly four feet of snow on the ground, and the hike through the woods was especially difficult. Finally, frozen to the bone and exhausted, we found the perfect tree! My brother chopped it down and we hauled it through the snow back to my brother's truck, which was no small feat. A 12 foot tree is heavy! We were so excited to show it to Mom. We set it up in the tree stand, expecting a gasp of joy from Mom, but the look on her face said it all. It just wasn't quite right. We turned it, trimmed the branches, put the bare spot in the back, but to no avail. We had learned all too well early on in our job as official "Christmas Tree Hunters", Mom had a penchant for being a bit picky about her tree. So, off we went, back out in the cold and snow to find another one. We finally did find the perfect tree, Mom was thrilled and soon the decorating began!

The decorating always started with Mom bringing out her Santa collection and her antique ornaments from their secret hiding place. I looked forward each year to the same, familiar ornaments being unwrapped. It was comforting to me to unwrap each one of those precious symbols of my family's shared Christmas past. As I unwrapped and hung up each one, I would call to mom, "Oh Momma, here's your favorite Santa!" or, "Here's the one I made for you in second grade!" Each one had a story, a warm feeling, a good memory attached. As I carefully unwrapped each one I'd think, "..some good things never change."

Our family traditions were like a life preserver for me during confusing and chaotic times throughout my childhood.. After twenty years in a difficult marriage, my mother finally divorced my father, who was an abusive alcoholic. Then about a year later, remarried a sweet and gentle bachelor, who loved her so much he was willing to take on a ready-made family with six children ranging in ages from 2 to 19. Despite his love, looking back, I realize it must have been incredibly difficult at times for my mother. She was in her 40's, a working mother of six, divorced, remarried and drained emotionally from all she had been through. But yet, she wanted us to have wonderful memories of Christmas. She probably didn't feel much like celebrating at times, but she never let on. She just smiled, portrayed a happy attitude and tried to give us the best Christmas she could. Despite being a "working mom" outside the home, she decorated our house, hosted and cooked the Christmas dinner for all of our extended family and more than a few friends, (sometimes up to 30 people in all) and gave us six kids as many of the gifts on our wish list as she could. It was only later as an adult, I found out my mother didn't really like to cook, money was terribly tight and she was exhausted most of the time during those years. But, my mother sacrificed to create Christmas magic for us. She transformed our "broken home" into a warm and beautiful place. It was happy. It was filled with joy. It was filled with laughter. It was filled with love. It was, in a word..... magical.

As I grew older, learned Santa wasn't real, and the wonder of childhood was replaced with the wisdom of age, the magic dimmed a little, but it never completely faded. When I'd return home from college and see those familiar decorations and unwrap those special ornaments, I would once again feel the the magic envelope me. My love of Christmas and so much more, I owe to my mom. She taught me the value of creating memories for my children. She showed me the real magic of Christmas is in giving, not in receiving. Because of her, I know no matter what our family may be going through, I want my children to share the laughter, feel the love, and experience the magic of Christmas. I want them to know in their hearts, some good things never change.

TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN-- Step-By-Step to a Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

2010-11-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

It's the star of the show on Thanksgiving, and for most of us we can't imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without it. But, many of us are intimidated by that big bird, and think bringing a beautifully brown, moist turkey to the table is only for the experienced cook. Not so! Roasting the perfect Thanksgiving turkey is actually really simple! I've been using the following recipe for years, and my turkey comes out golden brown, moist and delicious every time!

1 turkey (12-14 pounds gross weight)
2 cups kosher salt or 1 1/2 cups table salt
1/2 stick of butter

Large pot or bucket
Roasting pan with rack
Meat thermometer

THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING- BRINE YOUR TURKEY
1) Empty cavity of turkey, removing neck and giblets.
2) Place your (completely defrosted) turkey in a large pot or clean bucket large enough to hold it. Add salt and 2 gallons of cold water to cover the turkey completely, rubbing salt into bird and stirring water until salt dissolves. Set in the refrigerator, (temperature should be no higher than 40 degrees) for 10-12 hours.

THANKSGIVING DAY--
3) Prepare the stuffing of your choice. Allow stuffing to cool completely.
4) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
5) Remove turkey from salt water and rinse cavity and skin under cool running water for several minutes until all traces of salt are gone. (Make sure you carefully dispose of the salt water to keep bacteria from spreading).
6) After rinsing turkey thoroughly, pat dry with a paper towel.
7) Stuff turkey. Bring turkey legs together and truss. (Any extra stuffing place in casserole dish, cover with foil and refrigerate to cook during the last 45 minutes of cooking time of turkey).
8) Rub entire turkey with butter. Bend wings, tucking them under neck cavity.
9) Place turkey (breast side up) in roasting pan with rack in the bottom to keep bird from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan. Put foil over the breast to keep from breast from over browning. Remove foil from breast half way through cooking time to allow for browning.
10) Cook until meat thermometer stuck in leg pit registers 180-185 degrees and internal temperature of stuffing registers no lower than 165 degrees, for a 12-14 pound turkey approx. 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (For a larger bird, you'll have to adjust the cooking time. Click on the USDA link below for cooking times).
11) When turkey is done, transfer to a platter and allow to rest (under foil to keep warm) for 20 minutes. While the turkey rests, make your gravy.

ENJOY! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

For more information, here are some helpful links and phone numbers:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/lets_talk_turkey/index.asp

Butterball Turkey Hotline:
1-800- BUTTERBALL

AND THE WINNERS ARE..........Jeanna, Leanne and Sharon!

2010-11-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the NW MOMMA "fat quarter" FREEBIE/GIVEAWAY winners!

The winners are: Jeanna, Leanne and Sharon!

Your beautiful fabric is on it's way!

Thank you for participating!

STAY TUNED FOR THE GIVEAWAY FOR DECEMBER........ (hint, it's a $25.00 gift card!)

TOGETHER IN SHARING- Thank you NW Momma Followers!

2010-11-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all my friends, family and "followers" for your support of NW Momma! In this first week, NW Momma has been viewed over 250 times and already has 11 "Followers", all thanks to you! I cannot express how much your support, encouraging comments and emails have meant to me! My mission in creating NW Momma was to give women a place to come to get creative ideas to promote family fun and togetherness. I wanted to create a place where women would feel encouraged and uplifted. I also wanted to support working moms, SAHM's (stay at home moms) and WAHM's (work from home moms), because I believe EVERY MOM IS A WORKING MOM and needs our support!

I want NW Momma to not just be "my" place to share ideas, but YOUR place as well. Do you know of a great business you'd like to see highlighted? Do have a super yummy recipe you'd like to share? Do you have a topic you like to write about as a "Guest Blogger"? Do you own a business yourself you'd like to advertise on NW Momma? Do you have a product you'd like me to try and review? Just let me know and I'm more than happy to share this blog, this community, with you!

Stay connected to NW Momma for more easy and delicious recipes, fun day trips, simple arts and crafts and fun FREEBIES and GIVEAWAYS. And even better, stay connected to get your daily dose of NW Momma support and encouragement!

Kat

P.S. Contact me with your ideas at katrincrum@hotmail.com

NW MOMMA GIVEAWAY! Win a FREE "Fat Quarter" of fabric!

2010-11-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

Okay friends, this is the first ever FREEBIE GIVEAWAY on NW Momma! It's a great FREEBIE GIVEAWAY because (if you follow the rules), EVERYONE WHO ENTERS IS A WINNER!
Here's the scoop:
THE PRIZE: A free "fat quarter" of beautiful fabric courtesy of Karen's Quilt Loft, www.karensquiltloft.com.

If you're already a quilter you know and love "fat quarters" for a variety of projects such as scrappy quilts, purses, etc. If you new to quilting, you'll love winning a free "fat quarter" because it's a FREE, beautiful piece of fabric and can be the start of a new adventure into quilting (or used for whatever you want!)
THE RULES: The rules to win are so easy! IF YOU FOLLOW THE RULES, YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO WIN!
1) You must become an official "Follower" of NW Momma. See the lower right side of this page to become a 'Follower". (If you're already a Follower, proceed to rule #2).
2) You must post a positive comment about NW Momma on your facebook account with a link to NW Momma, www.nwmomma.blogspot.com.
3) You must leave a comment after the article below about Karen's Quilt Loft, telling me you did indeed post a positive comment to your FB page.
4) You must email me your contact information (Full name and mailing address). THIS IS HOW WE WILL MAIL YOU YOUR FABRIC. If you don't email me with your mailing address, we won't be able to get your prize to you! (I will only share it with Karen's Quilt Loft, since she will be the one actually mailing it to you). My email address is: katrincrum@hotmail.com.
5) That's it....Follow these rules are you will WIN!
6) If you live within a 35 mile radius of Kalama, WA. you will need to visit Karen's Quilt Shop to claim your prize. Those living outside a 35 mile radius of Kalama, WA, your prize will be mailed to you.
7) CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010.

HAPPY WINNING!!!!

NW MOMMA'S FEATURED BUSINESS: Karen's Quilt Loft

2010-11-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

If you love quilts, fabric, fresh coffee, homemade cookies and a cozy atmosphere, you'll love Karen's Quilt Loft, located at 124 N. 1st Street -Upper Suites, Kalama, WA. Karen Eastwood opened her quilt shop in July 2010, and says her main focus is "customer service". She said she enjoys helping quilters of all skill levels from beginners to the experienced. "I'm willing to help anybody," Karen said. "If I have a copy of a pattern and you'd like it... you've got it!"

Despite the economy, Karen decided now was the time to open her shop in the upstairs of what used to be a Pilate's studio her husband owned. When he moved across the street to open a gym, the space became available. "I saw the opportunity and decided to make the big leap and open my own business, " she said. When another local quilt shop closed it's doors, she saw there was still an interest and a need for a quilt shop in town. She sells fabric, patterns, notions and some finished items. She also teaches quilting classes, for those who want a hands-on learning experience.

Like most entrepreneurs, Karen faced some challenges in the beginning. About 15 years ago, she opened a sewing and notions shop, but it "didn't take off," Karen said. But, being an avid quilter, when the opportunity arose this time around, she decided to "....jump in and try my hand at opening my own shop....again!" When asked what advice she'd give other women thinking of opening their own business in the current economy, she had some sage advice. "You need to know your market," she said. "Also, you need financial backing. I don't think you can open a new business in this economy on a shoe-string budget. You also have to be willing to try new things to market your business."

One new concept she's doing currently, is hosting a group on Tuesday mornings starting at 10:00 A.M., where people can work on any project they want and get help with their project, too. "It's an open forum where you can bring in any project you're working on... it doesn't even have to be quilting," she said. Most recently the group worked together to make lap size quilts for the "Helping Hands" charity. The ability to blend the love of quilting with helping others in the her community is important to Karen. Both she and her husband have been long-time educators in the Kalama School District and she continues to work with students by occasionally substitute teaching.

If you love quilts and always wanted to learn to make one, or if you're an experienced quilter looking for new ideas, you'll want to visit Karen's Quilt Loft. Stop by and have a cup of coffee while you browse. Karen will be happy to help you! Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Don't miss the upcoming "BLACK FRIDAY SALE", the day after Thanksgiving. The shop will open an hour earlier at 9:00 am. There will be "staggered" discounts throughout the day. From 9:00 am to Noon, there will the following discounts: 40% off Fall and Halloween prints and 30% off Christmas prints. After Noon: 20% off everything else (except previously marked sales items).

Interested in taking a quilting class? The next class will be making Christmas potholders. The cost is $30.00 which includes the pattern and full instruction. Contact Karen to sign up, (360) 957-5485 or www.karensquiltloft.com.

TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN- Laura's Hot & Cheesy Artichoke Dip

2010-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

We all want to make a dish that leaves our family and friends wanting more and this is it! My niece Laura brought this super yummy dish to Thanksgiving a few years ago and it became and instant family favorite. It looks and tastes like it should be a complicated recipe, but it's very easy!

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup mayonnaise (use a good quality mayo, such as Best Foods)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 4 oz.)
1 clove of garlic finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a 1 quart casserole dish, combine all ingredients.
Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and serve with your favorite dippers ( for example: crackers, Melba rounds, pita chips).

TOGETHER IN THANKSGIVING- Finding Meaning Amid The Chaos

2010-11-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches each year, I try to focus my family's attention on all the things we should be thankful for. I know it's important to be thankful all year long, not just around the holidays, but if I can get us all in the proper mindset (an attitude of gratitude) before we are bombarded by non-stop holiday advertising and the ensuing shopping chaos, then maybe I can head off a complete hedonistic melt-down by December 25th. Now don't get me wrong, I believe kids should receive gifts at Christmas and a certain amount of spoiling is down-right American, but I refuse to let it become solely about the presents. It's a lofty goal, I admit, but one I believe can be achieved. Let me share with you the story of one NW Momma, my friend Jill, who is succeeding in helping her family keep their focus on the real "reason for the season".

When her children were still quite young, Jill made a very wise decision. In agreement with her husband, Jill decided to limit the number of Christmas gift to three gifts per child. She is a Christian and each year on Christmas recounts to her children the story of the three wise men and the three gifts they gave to the new-born King, before each child receives their three gifts. This has been their family tradition for years and she told me it has been the best thing she and her husband have ever done as parents. As she shared her unique tradition with me, I have to be honest, I couldn't hide my shock! Our conversation went something like this:

Me (with a shocked look on my face):
"Only three gifts each? Isn't that a little harsh and..... amazingly...affordable?" I stammered.

Jill (looking calm):
"If three gifts were enough for JESUS, then three gifts are certainly enough for my kids too."

Me (with a disbelieving look still on my face):
"But, what about the whining?" I inquired, "What about the weeping and gnashing of teeth? Don't you fear a Christmas Day mutiny?"

Jill (Still calm):
"Nope. They don't whine. It's all they know. They only expect three gifts, so they're happy with three."

Me (looking like I just a light bulb moment, because I did):
"Wow.........."

I was stunned and impressed! I told you she was wise! Jill went on to explain that since she and her husband only buy three gifts for each child, they slow down, take their time and really think about what would make each child most happy. It was all about the quality, not the quantity. She also explained that with the money they saved by not overspending on gifts for the kids, they had enough in their budget for each child to purchase a gift for a needy child in their community. Each child chooses a tag off the Giving Tree at their church and then shops for the gift the needy child requests. The gift requests are often very basic items, such as pajamas and socks, which teaches her children that even some of the most basic things they take for granted are a gift to a child who has nothing. By incorporating their faith into the act of giving and receiving gifts, she has given her children maybe the best gift of all: meaning. Her children understand the true meaning of the season and the traditions that go along with it.

Now for some of us, (me included) it's probably too late to start this only-three-gifts practice, but it's never too late to teach our children the real meaning of the holidays. I'm thinking this year our family can save up to donate to a charity, volunteer together at a local food bank or buy a gift for a needy child. With so much to be thankful for, and with so many people in our own neighborhoods and around the world struggling, now is the perfect time to start a tradition of giving of our own and find some real meaning amid the chaos.

TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN-- Easiest Oatmeal Cookies Ever!

2010-11-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is a great kid-friendly recipe because it's easy to follow and you mix the cookie dough with your HANDS! (What kid wouldn't love that?)

I love this recipe because it's so easy you can whip it together on a Sunday night for cookies for lunches throughout the week and it's not so long and involved that you'll spend hours in the kitchen. It's quick and easy and an older child (say ages 10 and up) could do it by themselves (use your best judgment). It really is that easy! And the best part is, the cookies come out fluffy and not rock hard like some oatmeal cookies you may have made in the past.

EASIEST OATMEAL COOKIES EVER

1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
2 c. Quick Oats
1 tsp. soda (sifted with flour)
2 eggs

Mix with hands -- form small balls and flatten on ungreased pan. Bake 350 degrees for approx. 10-12 minutes.

For a variation on this recipe you can add chocolate chips or craisins. Yum!

Kids love mixing the dough with their hands!

YUMMMMY!

TOGETHER ON THE ROAD-- Day Trip to Kalama, WA

2010-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

What do Edward and Bella (Twilight), Jack Benny and Elvis have in common? They all visited Kalama, Washington! This quaint little town is located just north of Vancouver, WA and just south of Longview, WA. It's a great day trip destination as it's easy to get to, located right off I-5. Plus, there's plenty of FREE activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Claim to fame: Twilight fans have already discovered it. It's where some of the most exciting scenes from the movie Twilight were filmed. Die hard fans of Twilight and New Moon, ("Twihards" as the locals call them), have been flocking to this small town to see Kalama High School, middle school and the now famous "lower parking lot" where Edward saved Bella from the runaway van. But this recent brush with Hollywood isn't the only ties to tinsel town for Kalama; the local Columbia Inn restaurant claims "Jack Benny and Elvis ate here".
Where is it?
From Seattle: Take I-5 South- 2 hours and 19 minutes (136.02 miles).
From Portland: Take I-5 North-42 minutes (37.53 miles).
History: The city of Kalama was named for the river located 2 miles north. The Kalama River was named after John Kalama, a native Hawaiian who was born on the Hawaiian island in 1814. He came to the Northwest in the early 1830's and traveled to the area for fishing with the Nisqually Indians. He eventually made it his permanent home, and the town was named after him.
Cool things to see: The tallest totem pole carved from a single tree in the Pacific Northwest is located at the Marine Park, within walking distance from downtown Kalama.
Fun for the kids: The Marine Park is a 5 acre day use park situated along the Columbia River. It features a playground, covered picnic shelters, paved walking and bike path along the Columbia River. The adjoining Louis Rasmussen day park has tennis courts, basketball hoops, volleyball area and horseshoe pits.You'll enjoy the beautiful view of the Columbia River and the kids will love watching the huge ships pass by as they navigate the river.
Fun for the grown ups: Downtown Kalama features several antique stores within walking distance of each other, creating an "antique district". It's a great rainy day activity, as the shops are close enough together for quick dash from one to another. Don't miss Rivertown Antiques Market, which is one block off the main street, but worth the short walk (155 Elm St., 360-673-2263). You'll find all the shops are warm and cozy with friendly shopkeepers ready to brew you up a hot latte while you browse (Antique Deli and Pastry Shoppe, 413 N. 1st Street, Kalama 360-673-3310).
Local favorite: The Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant is located on the main street of town. It was given a "Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the U.S" rating, and locals will tell you the honor is well earned.(274 NE Frontage Rd., Kalama 360-673-1818)
More info: http://www.kalamachamber.com/

Affordability break-down:
Marina and Louis Rasmussen Day Park- FREE
Tallest Totem Pole in the Pacific Northwest- FREE
Browsing local antique stores- FREE
Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant- Lunch special (11am-3pm) $5.95-$7.25