Really Good Things

Top 10 Gluten-Free Favorites

2011-02-14T14:31:00.001-08:00

1. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta
2. Annie's Mac & Cheese
3. Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking Mixes
4. Bob's Red Mill Pizza Crust
5. Crunchmaster Multigrain Crackers
6. EnviroKidz Crispy Bars
7. GF Pantry Sandwich Bread
8. Glutino Pretzel Twists
9. KinniKritters Animal Cookies
10.Van's Frozen Waffles

We Add Up

2011-02-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

WE ADD UP is a global campaign using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” to help solve the climate crisis. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number. YOUR number is your position in the global count of people who are taking steps to do their part. On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint - the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gases - such as, Unplug, Lights Off, Carpool, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 27 others. You choose which action you are committed to doing and get counted in. Three dollars from the sale of each tee will be donated to a non-profit organization working to implement the solution the shirt promotes.

WE ADD UP is offering free shipping when you buy 2 or more shirts. To check out the website click the link at the top of this blog.

Spread Some Love on Valentines Day

2011-02-10T22:13:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for last minute crafts, recipes, printables or party ideas for your kids Family Fun is a great resource. Check out the website at:

http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/

Multigrain Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Leeks

2011-02-10T21:27:00.001-08:00

I have made this one a number of times and it tastes so good!

Serves 4

12 ounces multigrain penne pasta
2 tsp. olive oil
3 leeks, sliced and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 c. fresh sage, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes, or butternut squash (1 lb)peeled and cut in 1/2 inch pieces.
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds (optional)

Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring until softened for about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sage and cook 2 more minutes. Add the sweet potato, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper and cook, covered, stirring twice until just tender for about 6-8 minutes. Stir in reserved cooking water and simmer, stirring until potatoes are fully tender, about 2-4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and nutmeg and toss. Divide among individual bowls and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

from REAL SIMPLE Magazine

Reflexology

2011-02-10T21:10:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been to a reflexologist? I have! Reflexology is a form of massage therapy based on Western anatomical principles. Therapy involves manual pressure to specific areas of the hands, feet and ears called "reflex points” that are believed to correspond to other parts of the body. Therapists believe the foot is "mapped" into 10 different zones that are connected to specific areas of the body which is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Reflexology charts consist of pictures of the soles of the feet with diagrams of corresponding internal organs or parts of the body are drawn. Techniques can be learned and self-administered. Today, reflexology is used to treat a variety of health conditions in the U.S.

Curious? I encourage you to check it out. What an amazing experience.

Earn "Stuff We All Get" at Swagbucks

2011-02-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

My bargain-hunting friend Luanne told me about this really great website that actually pays you in gift cards to use their search engine. Swagbucks is an online portal dedicated to digital dollars called "Swag Bucks", which can be redeemed for gift cards and exclusive swagbucks.com merchandise.

Here is how it works:

1. SEARCH
Search the web using Swagbucks and receive results from Google & Ask.com.

2. EARN
Swag Bucks are periodically awarded as you search the web.

3. REDEEM
Redeem your Swag Bucks for exclusive swagbucks.com products and more in the Swag Store.

Other Ways to Earn Swag Bucks
Trading In Cell Phones And Video Games Inviting your friends to join Shopping in our Shop & Earn Mall Sending In Prize Photos and Videos Finding Swag Codes Submitting a Poll idea

Also, when you invite your friends and they earn Swagbucks, so do you. Luanne has been at this for a while now and has already redeemed a few gift cards. I am going to give it a try too. To find out more click on the link to Swagbucks.com under "Really Good Bargains" to join.

Simple Sewing Projects for Baby

2011-02-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

My newest sewing book is called Simple Sewing Projects for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter. This is a great book for a number of reasons... First, there are free patterns tucked inside an envelope in the cover. Second, There are pictures and illustrations for us "visual learners" exactly what your project is supposed to look like. Lastly, the projects are fairly simple so a budding seamstress like myself can even handle them. So far I made the Play Quilt with Pocket (p. 97), and the Tag Blankie (p. 80). As you can see from my pictures above, they turned out very nicely! Upcoming projects include the Simple Dress and Bloomers. I'm hoping they turn out just as nice!

I bought my copy (used of course!)from Amazon.com for just a couple of bucks. If you are interested in sewing I highly recommend this book!

Lemon & Lavender Tea Cookies

2011-02-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

5 Ingredient Lemon & Lavender Tea Cookies

You will need:

1 box lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbs. dried lavender
granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Roll the dough into 1" balls. Roll dough in some granulated sugar. Bake for 12 minutes. Makes 24 cookies.

Think Spring!

$10 Off Developmental Toys at eBeanStalk.com

2011-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

eBeanStalk.com

Expert-Selected Toys Matched
to Your Child's Development

My son received a set of Mini Automoblox cars for Christmas this year (Thank you Uncle Craig & Aunt Breanne!) and he absolutely loves them. The cars have a universal connector system that enables your child mix and match the different parts. Building the different car styles is tons of fun and the cars are wooden so they are sturdy enough to last a very long time.

To get a $10 discount off all orders of $50 or more use code SPRING$10 at checkout. This offer expires on April 30th, 2011.

Crispy Fried Plantains

2011-02-09T08:51:00.001-08:00

Tostones: Crispy Fried Plantains Recipe

If you have ever eaten at San Chez in downtown Grand Rapids, (our favorite restaurant) you may have tried their Tostones, or Twice Fried Plantains. For those of you who have never tried them, Plantains are found in the produce section and look like large green bananas. The secret to making the crunchiest and best tostones is to pick the largest and greenest plantains. Plus, you must double fry the slices. Tostones can be served with rice and beans, but at our house we like to sprinkle them with coarse salt while they are still hot and serve them with salsa.

Crispy Fried Plantains

4 plantains, (as green as you can find them)
Salt
Vegetable Oil

Peel the plantains and slice them into 1" rounds. (Holding them under warm running water helps loosen the peel). Place the slices in a bowl of warm, salted water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Fill a large frying pan with enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat to medium-high. Working in batches, fry as many plantain slices as will fit into one layer until they begin to turn golden. Remove plantains from pan and drain on paper towels. On a cutting board, flatten each slice by covering with small plate or the back of a spatula and press down as hard as you can, (the thinner the slices, the crunchier the tostones). Fry the flattened slices again until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels again to drain as you remove them from the pan. Salt to tast and serve right away.

Why I love the Knifty-Knitter

2011-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Recently, I taught myself to knit using a magazine and YouTube clips. After a few basic scarves I felt pretty comfortable with the knit and pearl stitches. Eventually, I started getting bored with scarves and attempted to make a small hat. Unfortunately, hats aren't as easy. In fact, I found them to be pretty frustrating! Since I wasn't making too much progress I gave up and went back to making scarves.

My daughter got a Knifty Knitter set for Christmas a few years ago, but never opened it. The package came with a couple of round plastic looms and a metal hook. The directions show how to use the looms to make a hat. I followed the directions and in about 2 hours I had a teeny-tiny newborn hat. No dropped stitches, no patterns to follow, no thinking required. It was way too easy!

Why do I love using this thing? The hat comes out perfect every time. If you want to learn how to knit hats this is a great way to do it. You can buy one at most craft stores for around $15.

Snow Days & Cupcakes

2011-02-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to “Snowpocalypse 2011,” my kids had a few snow days last week. I loved watching through the window as all of the kids in the neighborhood ran from house to house in their snow gear. I knew they would all make it back to our house eventually, so I wanted to be ready. I thought this might be a good opportunity to bake something. I remembered there was a box of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix in the pantry that would make great cupcakes so I went to work.

From start to finish they took about 30 minutes to prepare. The kids came in from the cold just as I was cleaning up. As the cupcakes cooled, I topped them off with some chocolate frosting and set them on the kitchen table. The kids dove in immediately! I asked for some feedback and got a few cheeky smiles, some nods and two thumbs up. Looks like I will be making these again!

Overall, I was very pleased with the results. The cupcakes were moist and had a nice consistency. I did notice they do not brown on the top like other cupcakes so you have to rely on a toothpick to check if they are done. Also, I recommend using a good quality vanilla since this is where the flavor comes from.

Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake Mix
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Bake Time: 18-23 Minutes
Total Time: Approx 25 Minutes
Servings: 12

Super Bowl Caramel Corn

2011-02-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to post this recipe because it was a big hit tonight. It was so good we actually polished off the entire bowl before halftime... Yum! I also wanted to share a picture of my vintage popcorn popper. I found at a thrift store a few years ago for only $2 and love it! Just add some oil & popcorn kernels, then turn the handle as it starts to pop. It makes the best popcorn ever!

Caramel Corn

Ingredients

• 7 quarts plain popped popcorn
• 2 cups peanuts (optional)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

3. Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.

4. Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

FLARP! Good Clean Fun!

2011-02-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

We bought our first FLARP! Noise Putty a few weeks ago for only a buck. The first time we opened it, we didn't know what it was supposed to do. It felt cold and slimy and was fun to squish between your fingers. It wasn't until my son tried to put it back into the container that the fun began... FLARP!

What can I say?!? Some noises are just funny no matter what your age. You can't help but giggle when you try this stuff! Not sure what I mean? Buy some for yourself. You'll be glad you did!

Fresh baked bread...Yum!

2011-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a picture of the gluten-free bread I baked today. It only took 5 minutes to prepare and made the house smell soooo good!

Got to love the 80's!

2011-01-30T21:50:00.000-08:00

The 80's totally had it all...

Tight-rolled jeans, mullets, Atari, homemade mix tapes ad the "Corey's" were at the top of their game. MTV sent Debbie Gibson, Michael Jackson and Madonna right to our living rooms. Favorite movies like Ghostbusters, Goonies, E.T., Back to the Future, Ferris Beuller's Day Off (and anything starring Molly Ringwald) were on VHS, not On Demand. And, DUDE!!! Who could forget slang like, Grody to the max! and Gag me with a spoon?!? Ahhh, yes... the 80's.

So, I found this website with T-Shirts that celebrate 80's pop culture. I hope, like me, you will find it totally awesome, man.

Click the link below to check it out:

Artsonia

2011-01-30T11:41:00.001-08:00

Artsonia is a free online art gallery for kids that makes it easy to share artwork. All you have to do is set up an account and download the artwork. My son's elementary school is part of the program and automatically does this for us. If you want to download from home all you have to do is scan the artwork or take a picture of it with a digital camera.

Artsonia gives you the option of setting up a "fan club.". Each time a new masterpiece is added to the website, an email notification with a link to your child's homepage is automatically sent to everyone in the club. Fan's who are inspired can leave comments for the artist too. Artsonia also has the option of adding your child's artwork to personalized gifts like coffee mugs and mouse pads. They sure make great gifts for grandparents!

Artsonia is a fun and easy way to include friends and family members who don't get the chance to paricipate in your child's life. As a parent, I have to say it's also nice to have a digital record of my child's work for safekeeping. Enjoy!

You can check out the Artsonia website at: http://www.artsonia.com

Some things just make you giggle...

2011-01-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

Kitsel: iPoo'd Unisex Long Sleeve Toddler T-Shirt; 100% Cotton

To see more styles for baby click the link below:

Mark Poulin Jewelry

2011-01-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

Box Flowers + Bubbles Enamel Pendant

Artist Mark Poulin uses sterling silver and enamel to create jewelry that is undeniably cute. While studying art at the Oakland Recreation Center, Mark began sketching frequently. These line drawings found their way into his jewelry designs and the result is a heartwarming collection of jewelry that anyone's inner-child can appreciate!

Mark Poulin's enamel jewelry is adorned with hand-brushed designs and his heartwarming animal charms are cast in sterling silver. "Cute is here to stay," he insists... Mark Poulin creates his one-of-a-kind jewelry at his studio in Oakland, CA.

To view more jewelry from Mark Poulin click the link below:

Truly a "favorite" at our house!

2011-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

If you have been searching for a quality gluten free sandwich bread try Gluten Free Pantry's Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix. This bread is by far one of the best! It's moist, doesn't fall apart, freezes well and kids love it. We bake a loaf every weekend then slice it and store it in the freezer for the weeks lunches. Each box makes a single 2 pound loaf in a 9 x 5 pan. The mix also works well in a bread machine.

Ingredients: White rice flour, brown rice flour, potato starch, skim milk, whey, corn starch, brown sugar, guar gum, salt, and a packet of yeast.

Mindfulness Meditation

2011-01-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS MEDITATION?

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that trains us to be present in each moment with awareness. Mindfulness practice raises our awareness of the present moment, of our bodies, and our environment and allows us to connect with these more deeply. Mindfulness meditation is not a breathing exercise; it is really an exercise in training your awareness and in focusing attention. By practicing mindfulness you learn to observe your breath, your body, your emotions, and your mind. It quiets the mind, and when times are difficult it can allow us to have more courage to experience what life sends our way.

For more information please visit:

SFU Health and Counseling Services

Still Tasty is Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide

2010-03-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... Do I Keep it? Or toss it?

Have you ever wondered how long it's safe to keep leftovers? Check out stilltasty.com for all of your food safety questions. Simply search for the food or beverage in question, indicate how long you've had it and if it's been opened to find out if it's still safe to eat. Plus, find other helpful topics like how to read expiration dates and what's the safest way to thaw food.

Check it out at:http://www.stilltasty.com

Ecoist Handmade Eco-Friendly Handbags

2010-02-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ecoist handbags are made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soda labels, and other waste-bound materials. Ecoist’s partners include The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Mars, Frito Lay, Luna Bar, and AVEDA, among others. These companies have committed to reducing waste and channeling some of their existing industrial waste output to Ecoist. Some of their best sellers are made from upcycled candy wrappers, pull tabs, subway maps, bar codes and newspapers. Choose from wristlets, clutches, totes, satchels, crossbody bags and shoulder bags. Ecoist handbags are produced in partnerships with Fair Trade manufacturers in Mexico and Peru. Fair Trade is a manufacturing partnership that embraces the following major elements:

• fair wages to workers

• healthy working environments

• long term relationships with suppliers

• respect for the local cultural identity

To view the website and get 15% off click on the Ecoist link below.

Receive 15% off Clutches. Use "15off" at checkout.

Spread the Love on Valentines Day

2010-02-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for crafts, recipes, printables or party ideas for your kids this is a great resource. Sign up for the newsletter and it sent to your email.

Check out the website at http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/

The National HeartScarves Project

2010-01-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

If you know how to knit or crochet here is a great way to reach out and comfort someone who is currently living with or at risk for heart disease.

The HeartScarves Knit Kit

Red Heart Yarns and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease have joined forces to create the HeartScarves Project Kit featuring everything you need to knit or crochet a red scarf. HeartScarves provides handmade red scarves to members of WomenHeart Support Networks, and to women undergoing cardiac procedures. The red scarves offer comfort, support, and encouragement for a woman with heart disease and become a part of her healing journey. For every kit purchased, Red Heart will donate $3 to WomenHeart.

Included in this kit:

Clear vinyl project bag with handles
One skein of Red Heart® Super Saver™ yarn in 319 Cherry Red
Susan Bates size US 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles
Instructions from Red Heart for knitting a scarf
Information as to why knitting and crocheting are good for your own heart health and heart care tips from Women Heart Organization.
Gift tag for your special personalized message of hope and encouragement to the recipient, along with directions on how to mail your finished scarf.

The kits cost $12.99 and are available at www.shopredheart.com.

I know HeartScarves is supposed to be for women, but I am thinking of making one for my Dad. Now all I need is some "manly" red yarn.

gDiapers - The new cloth diaper hybrid.

2010-01-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the average disposable diaper can take 500 years to break down in a landfill? Gross. That is disgusting in more ways than one. I came across a link to some eco-friendly diapers called gDiapers this weekend while on another website. I don't have kids in diapers anymore,(thank goodness), but if I did, I would definately try these. The gDiaper website says that when you are ready to toss the diapers you can home compost, toss or flush the biodegradable gRefill and they only take 50-150 days to break down. Here is what I found...

Product Information

50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day. Each one takes up to 500 years to break down. The gDiapers system is an earth-friendly replacement for the traditional disposable diaper. The system consists of cotton, washable little gPants, a snap-in waterproof liner and either 100% biodegradable gRefills or washable cloth inserts (refills/inserts sold separately).

Little gPant is a machine washable, soft cotton outer diaper pant
Includes one snap-in, waterproof liner made of highly breathable material
Easy fit features stretch around the waist and legs
Soft Velcro tabs close around the back
Size small fit babies 8 to 14 lbs, medium 13 to 28 lbs, large 26 to 36 lbs
Earth friendly
No elemental chlorine
no perfumes
no latex
2-Pack
Color: Go Fish Blue & Grasshopper
92% cotton, 8% spandex
100% biodegradable, gRefills, or washable cloth inserts. Sold separately.
gDiapers biodegradable refills (sold separately) are plastic-free and can be flushed or composted (50-150 days) in your garden

To find out more about gdiapers visit the website at www.gdiapers.com or click the link to the right.

5 Ingredient Fix

2010-01-23T16:18:00.001-08:00

This is one of our favorite shows on Food Network. The recipes are simple and use everyday ingredients.

About the Show

In her new daytime cooking series, 5 Ingredient Fix, host Claire Robinson proves delicious dishes only need five ingredients or fewer to make cooking easier, faster and down right irresistible. Claire shows viewers how to enhance the natural flavors of carefully-selected, fresh ingredients to illustrate her belief that each ingredient should truly stand out in a recipe. With eclectic and elegant menus perfect for every occasion, her straightforward cooking style promotes healthy, seasonal eating as well as stress-free shopping. Claire minimizes fuss and maximizes taste to achieve mouth-watering meals in no time!

Millionaire's Shortbread

Recipe courtesy Claire Robinson
Prep Time: 15 min Inactive Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 30 min Level:
Intermediate Serves:
2 dozen Ingredients
Shortbread:
2 sticks butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for preparing pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for preparing pans
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer:
2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
Chocolate Topping:
3/4 pound good-quality milk chocolate
Directions
Shortbread:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter 2 (8-inch) square nonstick pans and coat with flour, tapping off excess. Place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse once. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles peas. Press the shortbread mixture into prepared pans and bake until golden brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Caramel Layer:

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Continue stirring over the heat until mixture becomes thick and amber in color, about 15 minutes. Pour the caramel over the cooked shortbread and spread evenly using an offset spatula. Cool to room temperature.

Chocolate Topping:

In a glass bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate. Once chocolate has melted, pour it over the cooled caramel layer. Cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and then place in the refrigerator to cool completely, allowing chocolate to slightly harden but not get hard. Cut into 2-inch squares and enjoy, or store in an airtight container, at room temperature, or my favorite - keep in the refrigerator for a yummy sweet and cool treat!

You Are What You Eat

2010-01-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you get the BBC channel you need to watch this show!!!

Season 4
Episode 1

This week's houseguests are 44-year-old Ian Miller and 36-year-old Sharon Prendagast. Mother of two, Sharon, spends most of her day preparing and eating food, so it's little wonder that she's more than 50 lbs overweight. Her widening waistline line is a result of her wandering hands - when she's around no-one's food is safe. With constant headaches, chafing thighs and huge elasticized trousers, Sharon knows she needs help. So along with Ian, she's bunking down with Gillian. But how will they cope under her watchful gaze, with no escape from that beady eye?

Gillian McKeith, the tough-love diet detective traveled the UK and held open auditions to find more desperate cases, and now that she’s found them, they’re in for a shock. They don’t know it yet, but the McKeith treatment means living under HER roof, following HER house rules, with NO escape. If that weren’t bad enough, Gillian even invites herself to stay at their homes if they’ve fallen off the wagon.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/273/index.jsp

Why I Love the Knifty Knitter

2010-01-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting scarves with knitting needles for just over a year now and I am getting pretty good at the basic knit and pearl routine. It's not easy to learn, especially when you are teaching yourself from a magazine and YouTube. My 12 year old daughter got a Knifty Knitter for Christmas a few years ago and she never really took to it. I decided to give it a try so I followed the basic directions and in about 2 hours I had made a tiny newborn hat. No dropped stitches, no patterns to follow, no thinking required. It was way too easy! Why do I love using this thing? The hat came out perfect on the first try! If you have ever wanted to try knitting a hat this is the way to do it. You can buy one at any Walmart or any craft store. If you want to see what you will need or how they work you can check out this website:

https://www.myknitter.com/?cid=720394

No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. And, WE ADD UP.

2010-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

WE ADD UP is a global campaign using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” to help solve the climate crisis. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number. YOUR number is your position in our sequential global count of people who are taking steps to do their part. As the count grows, we demonstrate to the world that “WE ADD UP.” On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint - the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gases - such as, Unplug, Lights Off, Carpool, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 27 others. You choose which action you are committed to doing and get counted in. Three dollars from the sale of each tee will be donated to a non-profit organization working to implement the solution the shirt promotes.

WE ADD UP was created by mother-daughter team Judy Pezdir and Jill Palermo. Judy and Jill are artists, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, and people who are just crazy enough to get a vision and follow it through. And so, WE ADD UP was born.

WE ADD UP is having a 40% off sale on select shirts and free shipping when you 2 or more shirts. To check out the website click the link at the top of this blog.

Use TakeThemAMeal.com to coordinate meal deliveries for someone in need

2010-01-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

I heard about this on the radio this morning on my drive to work.

TakeThemAMeal.com is a free online tool designed to coordinate the delivery of meals to someone who is in need. A meal coordinator is able to create a customized online sign up sheet that makes it easy for friends and family to bring meals. In just a few minutes, phone numbers, driving directions, food allergies, and any other helpful details can be communicated to everyone involved.

TakeThemAMeal.com is commonly used in the following situations:

A family has the flu

A new baby has arrived

A family member is receiving medical treatments

A family is caring for an ill family member

A child is hospitalized long-term and meals are being delivered to the parents in the hospital lobby

Weekly snacks are needed for the classroom

Families are signing up to have a specific college student to their home for dinner

Adult children are scheduling dinner dates with an elderly parent

A loved one has died and meals are brought to comfort the family

To view a sample schedule visit this website: http://takethemameal.com/sample.php

Teeccino Herbal Coffee

2010-01-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

I found this great product on a blog about a year ago shortly after I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and put on a very restrictive diet. My doctor told me to stop drinking coffee immediately. Acidic foods and caffeine were now off the menu. I was really upset. I love coffee and I didn’t want to give it up. I looked forward to drinking it every day. The sound and smell of the coffee maker early in the morning made me WANT to get out of bed. Brad and I had been roasting our own coffee at home for the past 2 years and I didn’t want to stop that either. I decided to cut back to 1 cup a day, but not to avoid it completely. To my disappointment eliminating 1 cup didn’t make much of a difference and I still felt horrible. So, finally I understood that I had to give it up completely if I wanted to get better. I stopped drinking coffee and my symptoms slowly improved. Even though I knew it made me sick I still missed it. I went to a few health food stores to search for a substitute. I tried a few instant brands that tasted nothing like real coffee. Also, I bought an expensive one made out of dandelions and one made out of chicory. They just weren’t the same. I found a blog about living with Cystitis and there was information on safe coffee substitutes that didn’t cause flare ups. According to the blog, Teeccino was safe for IC patients and tasted the best. The Teeccino website said it was caffeine free, non acidic and made from Ramon nuts that grew in the rainforest. Hmmm… Sounded strange, but I was getting desperate for a replacement, (and irritable from caffeine withdrawal) so I ordered the sampler pack. I wasn’t too optimistic when it arrived. Maybe I’m just too picky about this stuff? I opened a pack and it looked just like coffee grounds. It smelled OK too. The instructions said to brew and serve just like coffee. We made the Organic Caffé flavor in the coffee maker and it smelled pretty good. It wasn’t exactly the early morning coffee smell I remembered, but I liked it for some reason. I drank the first cup black. To my surprise it was actually good! I was amazed at how much it tasted like real coffee. Yes! There really is something that tasted like coffee and didn’t make me sick. Yahoo! FYI- if you want to try it I would recommend ordering the sample pack. The cost is $12.99, (free shipping) for a pack of all 10 flavors. Each pack makes 6 cups in the coffee maker and there is instructions on how to make it with a french press, iced, or in an espresso machine. I thought they all tasted good, except maybe the Chocolate Mint flavor. Not a fan of that one! If you sign up online for their “Healthy Tips” newsletter you can get a free trial size packet of your choice. If you want to cut back on your coffee consumption, quit without tears, or you are forced to stop due to a medical condition like I was then this product may help. The website is http://www.teeccino.com or you can click the link on this blog. Do you know of a similar product? We would love to hear about it. Thanks!

Search the web and earn free gift cards.

2010-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

My deal-finding friend Luanne told me about this really great website that actually pays you in gift cards to use their search engine. Swagbucks is an online portal dedicated to helping you earn digital dollars called "Swag Bucks", which can be redeemed for exclusive swagbucks.com merchandise.

Here is how it works:

1. SEARCH
Search the web using Swagbucks and receive results from Google & Ask.com.

2. EARN
Swag Bucks are periodically awarded as you search the web.

3. REDEEM
Redeem your Swag Bucks for exclusive swagbucks.com products and more in the Swag Store.

Other Ways to Earn Swag Bucks
Trading In Cell Phones And Video Games Inviting your friends to join Shopping in our Shop & Earn Mall Sending In Prize Photos and Videos Finding Swag Codes Submitting a Poll idea

Also, when you invite your friends and they earn Swagbucks, so do you. Luanne has been at this for a while now and has already redeemed a few gift cards. I am going to give it a try too. To find out more click on the link to Swagbucks.com to join.

A really simple cookie recipe

2010-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Lemon & Lavender Tea Cookies

You will need:

1 box lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbs. dried lavender
granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Roll the dough into 1" balls
and then roll in the granulated sugar. Bake for 12 minutes. Makes 24
cookies.

Think Spring!

Tostones: Crispy Fried Plantains Recipe

2010-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

If you have ever eaten at San Chez in downtown Grand Rapids, (our favorite restaurant) you may have tried their Tostones, or Twice Fried Plantains. For those of you who have never tried them, Plantains are found in the produce section and look like large green bananas. The secret to making the crunchiest and best tostones is to pick the largest and greenest plantains. Plus, you must double fry the slices. Tostones can be served with rice and beans, but at our house we like to sprinkle them with coarse salt while they are still hot and serve them with salsa.

Crispy Fried Plantains

4 plantains, (as green as you can find them)
Salt
Vegetable Oil

Peel the plantains and slice them into 1" rounds. (Holding them under warm running water helps loosen the peel). Place the slices in a bowl of warm, salted water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Fill a large frying pan with enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat to medium-high. Working in batches, fry as many plantain slices as will fit into one layer until they begin to turn golden. Remove plantains from pan and drain on paper towels. On a cutting board, flatten each slice by covering with small plate or the back of a spatula and press down as hard as you can, (the thinner the slices, the crunchier the tostones). Fry the flattened slices again until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels again to drain as you remove them from the pan. Salt to tast and serve right away.

Multigrain Pasta with Sweet Potatoes and Leeks

2010-01-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

Serves 4

12 ounces multigrain penne pasta
2 tsp. olive oil
3 leeks, sliced and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 c. fresh sage, chopped
2 small sweet potatoes, or butternut squash (1 lb)peeled and cut in 1/2 inch pieces.
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds (optional)

Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring until softened for about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sage and cook 2 more minutes. Add the sweet potato, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper and cook, covered, stirring twice until just tender for about 6-8 minutes. Stir in reserved cooking water and simmer, stirring until potatoes are fully tender, about 2-4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and nutmeg and toss. Divide among individual bowls and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

The best steak recipe in all the land...

2010-01-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Herb Crusted Flank Steak

(Makes enough herb rub for 2-1.5lb steaks)

Marinate steaks in Kikkoman Teriyaki Glaze (overnight is best), or at least a few hours to tenderize flank steak.

In a food processor combine the following and pulse until combined:

1/4 C. Dried Rosemary
1/4 C. Minced Garlic
2 Tbs. Dried Parsley
1 Tbs. Kosher Salt
1 Tbs. Black Pepper

Remove steaks from marinade and rub each side with a generous amount of herb rub. Cook on a hot grill or broil in the oven on high for about 5 min. on each side until desired doneness.

Welcome to Really Good Things!

2010-01-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting. The purpose of this blog is to create a place to come together and share the good things we enjoy most. Please feel free to look around and leave me some feedback. Enjoy!

Jennifer