Let Me Tell You About Sally
June 19, 2009 | 3 Comments
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
4 days ago, a new person came into our lives.
We walked outside to do who knows what, and she came running from across the street.
She was beautiful.
Gleaming blonde coat, perfect clean ears, even her paws looked pristine.
But no collar and no (we were to find out later) microchip.
Someone likely abandoned her.
So far we have been unable to find her owner.
We registered at Pets911.org.
We placed a call to the local shelter.
We sent word out with a local pet store owner who notifies her email subscribers of found dogs in our area.
Nothing.
It took Julien about 10 minutes to name her.
Sally.
I had no dog food to offer, but I did have beef stew.
She ate 5 bowls of it.
Sally likes my beef stew, apparently.
Can’t say as I blame her - it was made with homemade broth from turkey and chicken bones and full of brothy goodness!
We discovered quickly that she enjoys car rides and doesn’t get car sick.
Everything hasn’t been perfect, however.
As is typical of a puppy, she has tried her teething teeth out on me. Since she hasn’t been socialized properly (which would take place at her mother’s breast or with her littermates), she doesn’t yet know what kinds of behavior are unacceptable.
Curiously, she never nips at the children.
Just Momma - but I know what to do with a biting baby. 
After a few days of lots of love and affection and some negative feedback when she nips me (First offense, I “yelp” an ouch sharply or spritz her in the face with water. Second offense, playtime is over!)
She has cut open my hands and arms several times.
A trip to PetSmart for some nice acceptable chewy things (and a pink collar) helped tremendously.
Although she is making her way into my heart, I fear that I can’t keep her permanently.
I’m not sure I have the resources (financial, time, energy) to care for a fifth baby.
I will not take her to a place where she may be “put down” (nice soft euphemism for killed!).
Did you know Craigslist doesn’t accept pet listings?
I do. Now.
I do want a dog, eventually.
When the timing is better.
Sadie is now terrified to go into the backyard and the kids are avoiding it too.
While they seem to love the puppy, the younger kids are intimidated.
They want to play with her, but Sally’s exuberance frightens them.
I know they would eventually get accustomed to a dog, but I would rather start out with a very young puppy that wouldn’t frighten my youngest.
I’m not sure what I would do when we go out of town - which we’re doing twice in the next few weeks.
There is the monthly vet visits, the neutering, the food.
She’s a Lab so she’ll get very large. My friend spends $70 a month on food to feed her Lab.
We will miss her.
If you know anyone in the Atlanta area who would like a sweet, devoted Labrador mix puppy (female) who almost never barks (but who defended her turf instantly when Grandpa came around!), please email me.
clauth @ gmail
Unpacking
May 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment
photo credit: chadmagiera
Moving.
It seems to have taken over an entire month of my life. There was the packing, the moving, the unpacking.
It exhausted me.
I’m still not done unpacking.
The thing about unpacking that takes so long?
You don’t really know where you want to put stuff until you’ve lived in a place for a bit.
You want to put things in places that make sense.
Know what I mean?
How To Get Rid of Cod Liver Oil Smell In Your Washer
April 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Cod liver oil is wonderful.
But it’s not so great for your washing machine and dryer. And clothing.
My 3 year old daughter loves to sneak into the refrigerator, open the bottle of CLO, and take a swig. Only. She’s not so great at putting the lid back on properly. It’s kinda slick, you know. 
photo credit: procsilas
So then it spills… often in the refrigerator or on her clothing. If it spills in the fridge, it doesn’t smell, but I use towels to clean it up, which then have to be laundered, which then stink up ALL the clothing, and the innards of the washer.
The last time this happened, I still smelled the stuff after several rewashings. Yuck!
The guys at Smelly Washer must have read my post and taken pity on me because they sent me some of their product to try out. I followed the instructions and cleaned the inside of the washer using the stuff. Then I laundered the load of CLO infected towels.
Guess what?
No more fishy.
According to their website, Smelly Washer is non-toxic and “made from 100% all natural citrus based ingredients”. They’re also nice enough to extend a discount to my readers.
The stuff works, so try it out if you’re plagued with stinky washing machine issues.
You can use the 10% off coupon by using the code naturalmoms on the order form.
Creepy Crawlies
April 12, 2009 | 1 Comment
The apartment I’m living in now has bugs.
Ugh. 
It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about moving.
New place?
No bugs.
But one of the concerns I have is how to avoid “taking” the bugs with me. When I pack up boxes and move furniture, I could very well move the little guys with me. Gross!
So I did some research and found out that there are some things I can do to prevent this from happening.
First of all, I’m going to avoid the use of cardboard boxes if at all possible. Bugs (especially roaches) love cardboard, apparently. They eat the glue on boxes. This is one of the reasons it’s not a good idea to store food you buy in boxes at the store in the box. Pour the rice or cereal or whatever it is into a glass or plastic food storage container to help keep your pantry cleaner and the food fresher, as well as discourage creepy crawlies.
My Mom has a huge supply of large plastic storage containers so I’ll be using those as much as possible to pack my things.
Boric acid is often touted as an effective, non-toxic solution for roaches but it didn’t seem to do a thing for me. The one thing that DID seem to help quite a lot was catnip, of all things.
I bought a ton of catnip in bulk at a local health food co-op super cheap, and sprinkled it in my silverware drawer. After that I NEVER ONCE saw a bug in there. Not even in the middle of the night when they would be scurrying around the kitchen. 
So my plan is to sprinkle catnip inside my boxes before I pack them.
Any other suggestions for me?
photo credit: Migraine Chick
Wordless Wednesday: Exploding Salmon
April 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
My Cast Iron Skillet Hates Me
March 21, 2009 | 8 Comments
Sigh.
Please don’t misunderstand.
I’m certainly not going to resort to Teflon anytime soon.
But I’m getting increasingly irritated with my cast iron skillet.
I seem to be totally inept at this business called “seasoning”.
A couple of years ago, at least, I couldn’t blame myself for my sticky pans. I was seasoning them with coconut oil (which I use in a lot of my cooking). Later I found out that coconut oil, because of its natural acids, eats into cast iron pans, and that I should be using bacon grease or tallow or butter or some other fat.
But even after making that switch long ago, my morning eggs require major excavation work each day. The flat ones are ok, as they can be scraped easily - it’s the egg cooking pan that gives me the headache.
Maybe that’s why I’ve lost my appetite for breakfast in recent months!
My paternal grandmother has a collection of awesome cast iron pans. Eggs, cornbread, fried chicken - you name it, slides effortlessly out of her pan.
I’m not using soap to clean them, and I coat them with oil or butter after each use.
Any secrets to easy and truly seasoned cast iron pans?
Grocery Shopping and Dinner Planning Printables
March 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
I just got back from the grocery store, where I purchased the ingredients for banana splits. And the reason I purchased the ingredients for banana splits?
I’m celebrating an accomplishment of my oldest son. Now, in the past I may have taken him out for an ice cream.
But it’s cheaper (and healthier) to make food at home.
Including the occasional banana split (hey - the ice cream and whipped cream are organic - and nuts are healthy!).
When finances are tight, it’s not all bad. In fact there are some benefits.
By being more frugal and careful with our grocery money, we may spend more time around the dinner table together, and more time in the kitchen preparing food together (and cleaning up together if you’re in my house!).
Banana splits are one thing, but when it comes to getting dinner on the table, it takes a little simple meal-planning. It helps to know EXACTLY what your family is going to eat each day, having the ingredient on hand and quickly putting together delicious meals.
Meal planning became a part of my weekly routine after my 4th child was born. It was the only way we got a hot meal on the table!
All it takes is 15-20 minutes with pencil, paper, and your favorite cookbooks. (And sales circulars from your local stores.)
- First, you take a quick look at what you already have in your freezer, pantry and fridge. Getting an idea of what’s already on hand means you can create meals around those ingredients and save a bit of money (and fewer things will end up going to waste).
- Then, take a look at what’s on sale at the store(s) you shop at.
- Using your cookbooks (or your head if you’re that kind of cook!), create your weekly menu.
To make things easier, here are some free dinner planning & grocery shopping sheets you can download and print:
Free Dinner Planning & Grocery Shopping Printables
Easy Organization
March 7, 2009 | 1 Comment
An important part of simplifying is getting organized.
When I hear the word “organization”, my eyes usually glaze over. Do yours? Getting organized sounds about as much fun as flossing your teeth. But organization helps keep things simple, saves you time and headache and can often save you money too.
Organization is really about creating systems that work for you and your family. 
My best tip for getting organized is to get rid of excess.
The first step is purging.
There are stores full of every kind of shelving and container imaginable, but they won’t help you solve the very real problem of simply having too much.
If you have too much stuff, it’s impossible to organize. You simply can’t organize clutter.
Look through your home with a notepad in hand. Find areas in your home that you feel are disorganized and cluttered.
Maybe it’s the stacks of papers on your desk, kitchen counters that give you no room to cook, or the pile of magazines you have next to your chair. You may have a problem with the many pairs of shoes that are cluttering up your foyer or your organizational disaster may be the too-full book shelves.
Where is there a logjam in your home?
Whatever it is that bothers you most, this is where you want to begin. Write this down on a sheet of paper or notepad.
Then get rid of stuff that you don’t love or need.
Collect it for recycling or to donate to a thrift store.
Now you can move on to the next step of getting organized which is:
Creating systems
An example of this is in the kitchen. Kitchens are often organized on the fly when we move into a new home. But if you take the time to really think about how you actually move and operate in the kitchen, you might save time and steps and keep things cleaner.
Items that you need near the stove (like long handled spoons, spatulas, pots and pans, oven mitts etc) should be kept near the stove. Another great tip I heard once is to create dishpan “stations” for different tasks. For instance if you bake a lot, use a dishpan to hold your mixer, beaters, measuring cups and spoons, etc in one place. When it’s time to bake you grab the dishpan and everything you need is right there. When you’re done, you clean everything up and put it right back.
I have all of the kid’s homeschooling books in a dresser in the kitchen. One drawer for each kid. That way they never have to ask where their stuff is. (Now getting them to put their stuff back into the drawers is another problem entirely!)
Are your kids constantly asking you for a glass for water? Why not put their drinking glasses on a low shelf? Ditto for their bowls and plates. This makes it easier for them to help you set the table and they’ll likely have fewer accidents (broken glass!).
A bill paying/accounting station is a great idea. Do you have a spot with all of your bills, stamps, envelopes, return address labels, a pen etc? My spot is in the kitchen near the phone.
We also have a system for library books. If you’re not careful, late fees can really add up. I know there was a time in my life where I felt the library should name a wing after me because I was paying so many late fees. That’s not good! It’s a classic example of a logjam.
So I created a system. When we go to the library, we take a large canvas tote bag inside with us. As the kids pick out books, they go into the bag and we check out. Once home, the books stay in the bag, which sits on a chair in the kitchen. When we finish reading a story, the book goes right back into the bag. Now it’s rare for me to lose a book. I also make sure I go to the library once a week and return all the books whether they’re due or not.
Where are the logjams in your life? Can you create some systems to help you deal with that?
What are your tips for organizing and creating systems?
photo credit: evelynishere
A Simple Kind of Mom
March 5, 2009 | 2 Comments
Recently, a friend sent me this message. Does it sound familiar at all?
“I was reading your blog, and you mentioned being a minimalist.. HELP!? Please, how did you start this…
I am drowning over here, so much so that I wish our house would burn down so I can start over, and not bring anything into the house! (I know, terrible)
Are there websites/books/resources that you can suggest that will help me take the steps toward doing this? I am losing my mind!“
Do you resemble any of her remarks? 
In answer, I told my friend that part of why I embrace simple living is simply because of my personality. I’ve always liked being neat and organized. I like routine. I despise clutter. I was one of those kids who never had to be told to clean her room.
I’m not saying my way is best.
It takes all kinds to make a world.
But sometimes, simplicity can mean the difference between meeting your goals and not meeting them.
It’s the difference between getting what you want and not getting it.
The difference between chaos and sanity.
A Simple Kind of Mom
I think it was after having my third child that I got serious about simplifying. I got serious about meal planning. I created more routines for my life and my days. I cleared out more clutter. And even more. I started getting picky about what I let into my life.
Especially now as my life has changed even more since then and I have more responsibility, I have to keep things very simple in order to minimize stress.
- I keep my home simple. Everything from the color scheme to the decor is simple and clean looking. It’s restful on the eyes. There isn’t too much “stuff” everywhere. I just say no to tchotchkes.
- I keep my grooming simple. When it comes to my wardrobe, I know what I like, what looks good on me, and I keep dressing simple. A uniform, if you will. Most things in my closet are black and white, with a little pink and red thrown in for accent. I also don’t fight my natural look too much. I let my hair do its natural thing (curl), I use olive oil to clean and moisturize my face, and it takes me two minutes to do my makeup when I go out.
- I keep homeschooling simple. We do a lot of stuff together (like history and science) instead of teaching everything separately. I focus on the basics.
- I keep cooking simple. Most of what I cook is one pot dishes that consist of meat, a grain and veggies. I don’t get fancy or try to reinvent the wheel. Snacks are simple things like fresh fruit, cheese and flax crackers - stuff the kids can grab themselves. I also prepare the same dishes over and over - the ones that are winners with my kids.
- I keep homemaking simple. I use vinegar, baking soda and castille to clean everything. I don’t buy housecleaning gadgets (although I would sell my soul for a Roomba!) that gather dust. I decorate so as to minimize housework in the first place.
- I keep my business simple. Instead of trying to do and learn something new all the time, I stick to what I’m good at and what works for me. I draw good boundaries and say no a lot. I focus instead of getting sidetracked by new projects all the time. I don’t let social media stuff overtake me.
- I keep fitness and health simple. I don’t use supplements except cod liver oil (unless I’m ill). I prefer to let food be my medicine. I keep my exercise routine simple. I have a gym membership and do a 30 minute total body workout three times a week.
There are a lot of other examples, I just can’t think of them right now. Simplicity also means not being a perfectionist and trying to do and say everything.
Simple living is for me about making choices. Choices about how you really want to spend your time. Choices about how you really want to spend your money.
It’s helpful to ask yourself questions before you bring anything new into your home. Do I want to dust this? Do I want to pay to insure it? Is it going to stress me out if the kids knock it over? Etc.
As for recommended resources for simple living, here are a few:
Simple Living Books?
Anything by Don Aslett. His books are fantastic if you want to simplify cleaning and get rid of clutter once and for all.
Your Money or Your Life will help you understand your relationship to stuff and how it really impedes you from your goals - especially in the area of money.
My favorite One Pot Meals cookbook is well worn with many food stains. A good sign of a much loved cookbook!
Simple Living Blogs?
I like SimpleMom.net - her blog is all about … guess!?
photo credit: urbaneapts
I Think I Miss My Dryer
March 4, 2009 | 4 Comments
I haven’t had a dryer for a few months now. It’s been ok. But I think I’m beginning to miss it. 
You see, when I moved into my new place, it had washer but no dryer hookups. That was ok because I had gotten into the habit of hanging almost all the laundry anyway.
But that was on an outdoor clothesline. The clothes dry in a matter of hours when they’re outside. Inside, it takes longer. Sometimes the jeans are still quite damp if hung overnight.
I use two indoor drying racks I got from IKEA. I love them, but sometimes I get a little tired of always having one open in the middle of the kitchen. As a decorating “piece”, it leaves someting to be desired.
When the weather is nice, I put the racks on the side porch. This way the laundry dries much more quickly. But with the recent rain and stuff, I can’t hang anything outside. I would often come home from an errand to find laundry blown over the yard. I had to rewash it at that point.
Since everyone was sick last week with the vomiting thing, I had extra laundry, so there are 4 loads on indoor drying racks, over the backs of chairs and other spots.
There’s the laundry saga. When spring comes it won’t such be an issue. Another problem though, is the fact that some of my clothing is far too linty. The dryer removes a lot of that.
Even if I got a dryer, I wouldn’t use it very often, just when the laundry got overwhelming or it was raining. I also have to find some way to safely venting it indoors. I saw a device that mounts on the wall that vents the dryer into a small bowl of water that you empty out. This keeps the lint from flying around the house.
Is there a tiny little dryer that you can use for just a few items at a time? Is there such a thing? That would be cool.
Any tips from you devoted line dryers for making indoor drying a little easier?
photo credit: stacy michelle
