Fall Canning Adventures

This year I have decided to take on a new hobby of canning. It was something I was privileged to grow up with my mum and grandma who did heaps of it and I got to enjoy their hard work. I thought with being pregnant and with being a mum of an active toddler why not give canning a try so that we always have healthy options in the house throughout the winter.
I have been enjoying the wealth of fruits and vegetables from friends and family and their luscious gardens. My Grandma brought by apples from her tree that were so delicious, Eva was eating them faster then I could cut them. With them I made apple sauce, apple crisp, and sliced them up and froze for apple pie making with Grandma. I just love knowing that I am eating and cooking with fruits and vegetables that are natural with no preservatives or sprays.. just a little bird poo.

Last week I made homemade tomato soup and lentil soup, I love having warm hearty soups for lunch.

I love how changes of seasons inspire new hobbies and interests. I love being able to stretch myself as a mother, wife and cook. I find there is so much out there to learn and discover that I want to seize every season in life and every new adventure. I have been really interested in learning Chinese cooking, so thinking it might be time to sign up for a new cooking class and learn a new culture of yummies! 

Quote of the Day: "Keep learning! You are as bright as your last bright idea." - George Burns

I will speak the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

What power the truth holds in the life of a child, the truth about who they are and what they are capable of.

I love the undeniable confidence that Eva carries, nothing holds an obstacle to great to achieve. Fear is something that is unknown in her reality. As her mother I am constantly amazed at the boldness and zeal she holds for life. She inspires me to desire only faith and belief in who she is, in who I am! 

I am so thankful that I have been given this privilege to speak over her life what she is; fearless, pure, perfect, righteous, loving, caring, beautiful. (and so much more). What she knows about herself, what she knows God thinks of her, and what she knows we believe to be true about her.. is what she will radiate. 

This saying I wanted her post in her room "Perfectly Perfect", because I wanted those words to penetrate her very being. So I made a sign to hang in her room, and the funniest thing is that every morning when I go to pick her up out of bed I find that sign in her crib. She has been sleeping with it...  I thought that was awesome. Even though she has no clue about what the sign actually says, it seems to be something that is very special to her. 

That's the power of speaking the truth, sometimes we don't know why we desire the it. 

                                                              BUT

I think its because it's the "Truth that sets us Free" to be who we are, which is who HE is!

From Ground Beef to Ground Sausage

I am not a big Ground Beef person, I can't stand the chewy fat pieces and all the grease that comes out of the meat. The smell is overwhelming, and the taste is bland if you don't add flavours/spices. I only cook it because Dave likes Spaghetti Bolognese, but then I usually make myself a sauce with vegetables.
I have recently discovered Ground Sausage, and I can't get enough of it. I love the flavours, the lack of fat/grease, and the texture. It's not too expensive either, all you have to do is squeeze it out of the casings and cook with a little olive oil.
I find its nice to have another kind of meat to cook in pasta dishes, other than ground beef and chicken.

So here are a few links to a couple good recipes with Ground Sausage,

http://www.culinarydisaster.com/wordpress/26/roasted-tomato-sausage-penne/

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/bow-ties-with-sausage-tomatoes-and-cream/detail.aspx

http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/quick_corn_sausage_chowder

I hope you can come to enjoy the wonders of Ground Sausage as much as I have.

Super Energy and Antioxidants Smoothie

I just wanted to share with you, something that has quickly become a family favourite... SMOOTHIES!! Not just any smoothie, but a drink packed with Vitamins, Iron, Antioxidants, and a good serving of your daily fruits and vegetables.
Dave and I have kinda been feeling exhausted when we wake up in the mornings, and then again half way through the afternoon. So I knew our bodies were lacking in energy, needed for each day.

So I found these really awesome Smoothies, with ingredients that may make you go, "Yuck, that sounds nasty," but you will be surprised how amazing they taste and what a difference you will feel.

1 cup of mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries)

1 banana ( We go through heaps of bananas in the Belgrave home, so I buy heaps some to eat and some to freeze in ziplock bags.)

1/4 cup of carrot juice

1/4 cup of apple juice

1 tbsp honey

1 handful of spinach (fresh or frozen)

Put in a blender and mix er up! I send them to work with Dave in a travel mug. And if my husband will drink them, they gotta be good!  The first few drinks I made for him I didn't tell him what was in it, because I know it would be a mind over matter thing. So once I found out he really liked them and was enjoying them, I revealed all my secrets.

Endorsing "Baby can Read"

I am  a firm believer of the Children's Dvd Series "Baby Can Read". "Baby Can Read" is a dvd series for ages 3 months to 5 years. It's suppose to help give children a head start in learning to read, communicate, and inspire a curiosity to learn. I started the dvd set with Eva when she was 8 months old and now she is 15 months and has a steady growing vocabulary of 30 words. I can't believe her determination to try and say new words. She's always watching our mouths and giving each new word she hears a try. I didn't see results right away with Baby Can Read, but my persistence with the program I can now see has paid off.  Eva is trying to talk heaps and I love that when she says a new word, the expression of excitement and proud look of achievement are beaming on her face.

We are now learning how to use those words to communicate with each other instead of just using them to define an object.  I believe that kids confidence in themselves begins growing at a young age, what a blessing it has been to be able to give her that extra boost and head start on her learning.

I have also found Eva loves learning outdoors as well, she loves to be visually stimulated and be hands on. Like picking up rocks and throwing them, smelling flowers, picking dandelions, walking up driveways, watching birds, and pointing to the sun.

You can find more information @ www.yourbabycanread.com

Im completely sold on this product and will be using it with all our children. I just wanted to share my success with this product, for other parents out there that also want to cease the window of learning with their children.

Summer Fashion Ideas

I love fashion and coming into summer gets me so excited because I can pull out my much loved summer dresses and sandals. I feel like I can play around with my clothes and be so much more creative when its warm out. I find with being a mother now, I often will look in my closet for the outfit that is comfy, easy to chase a 15 month old around in, stain resistant(or aleast last me till noon) and of course mummy cute.

I love New Zealand fashion, I feel like in Canada we are a few steps behind. BUT I am excited to see some new styles making its way to our stores here in Saskatoon.  I still feel like I am playing it risky when I sport these funky fashions,  because most Canadians are still stuck in their short shorts, bunnyhugs, and skate shoes. But we are getting there, I just think maybe my risk taking might inspire someone else to step out and try something new. 

Fashions change so quickly that is why I like to make the most of what is out each year, just means lots of dumps to Plato's Closet to get out with the old and in with the new. 

Its so fun being woman, (I know most men reading this blog will be shaking there heads). 

Little advice for married women out there, to every 3 things you buy= 1 thing for husband. Then all will be happy!! 

Check out a few of my favourites for this summer... 

Shorts with button up shirt tucked in with cute little belt

Cute Jean Jacket to put overtop summer dress's

Shorts romper ( super comfy)

Cute Summer Dresses

Funky Sandals

Off the shoulder shirt

Adds a splash of color and effortless- lots and lots.

Buffalo Chicken Fingers Recipe

When we go out to eat and it is cheap wing night, Dave will always order the Buffalo Chicken wings with a side of Ranch dipping sauce. They are his favourite Canadian meal, so I took the liberty of finding a good Buffalo Chicken Fingers recipe. I have tried a few, but this one I felt knocked his socks off. We had them in whole wheat wraps, with cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch sauce. YUM!

Heres the recipe, super easy and delish!

ngredients

1/4 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons tomato catsup
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1 1/2 cups dried bread crumbs, seasoned or plain and 1 1/2 tsp paprika

Vegetable oil cooking spray

Method

Stir together hot sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, and catsup in a wide, shallow dish to make a marinade. Add chicken, turn to coat, cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes, or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove chicken from marinade and gently press it into the bread crumbs and paprika, rolling well to evenly coat chicken all over. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil and arrange chicken on top, being careful not to overlap them. Spray chicken all over with vegetable oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Sweet Sweet Sunshine

FINALLY... after a long cold, random, snowy winter we are coming out of hibernation and into beautiful sunshine. Something my body has been craving for the last 6 months, but thank goodness for Vitamin D pills which I call my happy pills for the winter.  I can't get enough of this sun, I am excited to wake up every morning and open my blinds and feel the warmth. I am finally able to meet all my neighbours now as everyone is out and about nurturing their yards, and walking dogs. I feel like my soul has come alive again..  thank you Mr.Sun.

I can't keep Eva inside anymore, the girl would live outside if she could. Eating sticks and leaves whenever she got hungry. Walking up every driveway or footpath she could find and waving at every person that walks by. I am so glad she loves it tho, because I can't wait to go on little exploring adventures together, and collecting items to then go home and make crafts with! This might be the first summer where I can actually see my tan reach its full potential. (fingers crossed)

We just went for our first bike ride ever as a family last weekend, Eva was strapped in on the back of Daddy's bike hanging on for dear life. She loved every moment of it tho, waving at people as we biked on past. I think once she starts talking we won't be getting anywhere to fast, she is going to be our Miss. Social.

I am trying to get creative on how I can keep Eva happy by getting outside everyday but also getting things I need to get done. Last week we walked to the grocery store in the stroller, got groceries and walked back. We made it back right before it started to rain, but what a beautiful and successful grocery shop that was. She was happy as and I was fully stocked up for the week!! 

Two birds with one stone... cha ching! 

I am cherishing every moment of being home with my little munchkin. I know that with 4 words, "wanna go out outside?" she will drop whatever she is doing and run to the door and start banging. I can't wait for the memories yet to be built this first active summer we have together. 

K.I.S.S

         

I had to post this video of Eva's first time playing with bubbles, because it reminded me of a statement my Grade 7 teacher used to always write on the chalkboard. "K.I.S.S".... meaning "Keep It Super Simple"(my variation). Sometimes its the simplest things in life that may seem silly or ridiculous turn out to be the most fun! Having Eva has brought me back to the basic's, the simplicity of life. That everyday is an adventure and there is always something to be learnt or discovered. Life is all about what you make of it, so keep it super simple and fun by not allowing yourself to feel too "Grown up" in the midst of it.  I want to nurture Eva's childlikeness and if I don't bring mine out how will she grow in discovering hers.  I love how we can learn from each other, what a beautiful relationship parents and children share.

Here's to Keeping It Super Simple......

Dave crawling on the floor with Eva, chasing each other with toys hanging out of their mouths. Simple, yet became hours of entertainment.

Watching morning cartoons together, has so quickly become a ritual we enjoy together. I could sit there for hours just watching her, intently watch the TV screen. 

Blocks are so much more fun with Daddy, he builds it tall and Eva knocks it over. Then the whole procedure starts again. 

Freedom to Create - (finished and up & coming projects)

A friend of mine passed through some cute little craft ideas to do for Eva's Bedroom. Things that would keep me busy during the evenings while Eva is in bed, and Dave is studying.  So over the last couple of weeks I have been playing around with my creative side. Thought I would share the finished results. 

Butterfly Mobile

This was the project Desiree and I got into one afternoon. 

This is the next project I would like to get started on, gotta love butterflies!! 

I love being creative, I think we limit our ability to be crafty by not stretching ourselves. I think we all have a creative side, it just will be expressed through different forms of art. I think if God has a creative nature then my ability to be create, dream, and produce must be endless!! 

  I can't wait till Eva gets older and we can do crafts together. I am going to be one of those mums with her kids crafts posted all over her house, I want them to be proud of themselves and never ashamed by what they come up with. There should be such freedom and in being creative, what is simple to one person may be majestic to another.  I am so thankful that my parents encouraged and praised my artwork when I was little.. because those words still bring me motivation to try new things. 

Play hard, Knock out harder...

My little girl makes me laugh, she's a go-getter for sure!! She is like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going and going.  One day this week, she must of had an upset tummy because I was finding patches of throw up in random places in the house. But do you think that would stop her, or that she would fuzz and let me know she wasn't feeling well.. umm NO! To much to do!!

Here are some photos of the last week adventures....

 Eva learning to feed herself.. results in... food on clothes, face, highchair, floor and walls!!!! Fun for Eva but more cleaning for Mum.

 Any toy that isn't a baby toy, is actually a EVA TOY.. running through the house with belt in hand and  between her legs.

Big Girl Eva enjoying Daddy's jam toast, after already having her own breakfast about 15 minutes prior.

 Just discovered her new found love for frozen blueberries, even though they stain everything they come in contact with.

Knocking out hard with daddy.. or maybe it was Daddy knocked out hard with Eva. Oh well.. all I know was it was quiet....

Dave's Childhood Favorite- Jam Tart

Dave has been bugging me since we got married to make him this infamous Jam Tart that his mum used to always make for them when they were kids. Through numerous testing and searching.. I have found it!!
He loved it, just about finished the whole tart himself... so I thought I would share this super easy recipe and see what you others(kiwis) think of it!

Jam Tart Recipe
9 tablespoons (110g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) sugar

1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups (190g) flour
1/2 cup (70g) stone-ground cornmeal or polenta
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons baking powder (preferably aluminum-free)
1 3/4 cups (450g) apricot, raspberry or other jam

coarse raw sugar; known as cassonade, turbinado, or demerara sugar, for finishing the tart

1. Beat together butter and sugar until well-combined. Mix in the egg, egg yolk and almond extract.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients, just until the mixture just comes together.

3. Measure out 11 ounces (300g), which is about 2/3rd of the dough if you don’t have a scale, pat it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill it. Take the remaining dough and roll it into a log about 2-inches (5cm) in diameter, wrap it and chill it, too

4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow to room temperature slightly. With the heel of your hand, press the dough into the bottom and sides of an unbuttered removable bottom tart pan (one that’s 9″ or 10″, 24cm), or springform pan, patting it evenly.

5. Spread the jam evenly over the dough.

6. Remove the log of dough from the refrigerator and slice in cookie-sized disks, then lay them over the jam. Top very generously with lots of coarse raw sugar, at least 2 tablespoons.

7. Bake until the pastry is golden brown. (If you don’t trust yourself, or your oven, Luisa’s recipe says 20-25 minutes.) Let cool before serving, and serve at room temperature.

I would insert a picture here of what mine looked like, but I took it out of the oven and when I came back to check on it, it was already being devoured. 

My Favourite Indian Curry

I got a Indian Curry Cookbook for Christmas and I have been playing around in a bit, Dave loves Curry's, and I want my kids to be well aquatinted with different cultural dishes. So I have taken the duty upon myself to learn new and different dishes. And so far I can seriously say I am loving it! What is even more fun is having people over to try my curry's, as that isn't something you would normally get served.

I have to share with you the recipe I found for Mango Chicken. Mango Chicken was my favourite Indian dish when we lived in New Zealand(curry's are very popular down there). So I have found a recipe that tastes very close to what you would find in the Indian Restaurant.

Mango Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tbsp (or more) of vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh minced ginger
• 1 Tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 mangos, peeled and diced (I used Canned)
• 2 Tbsp cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute all or partially with coconut milk)
• Salt and pepper
• Cilantro for garnish

METHOD

1 Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and another tablespoon of oil, cook for a couple more minutes. Add the curry powder and cumin, cook for a few more minutes. The spices will absorb some of the oil, so if anything begins to stick too much to the bottom of the pan, add a little more oil to the pan. Add the ginger and garlic, cook for one minute more.

2 Add the vinegar, water, and a 1/2 of the chopped mango to the pan. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a low simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Scoop the sauce into a blender. Purée the sauce, pulsing until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan.

3 Add chicken pieces and raisins to the pan. Return to a low simmer. Cover the pan and let cook for 8-10 minutes. Chicken should be just cooked through. Use a knife to cut open the largest piece to check.

4 Add remaining mango pieces to the pan. Stir in the cream. Let cook at a very low temperature for another minute or two, uncovered. Do not let boil! Or the cream may curdle. Adjust seasonings. If a little too sweet, add a little more vinegar. If not sweet enough, you can add a dash of sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over rice. Garnish with cilantro. Serves 4.

ENJOY!!!

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Buns Recipe

This was an amazing Cinnamon Bun recipe I found on the internet and I thought I should share. If you like light airy sticky buns then do give this recipe a try!

The finished result....

Ingredients

---

• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/2 warm water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, meltted
• 
  
• How to make it
  • Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Warm the milk in saucepan until edges bubble; remove from heat.
  • Mix in 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter and salt; stir until melted.
  • Cool to lukewarm.
  • In large bowl combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, eggs and 1 1/2 cups flour; stir well to combine.
  • Stir in remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition.
  • When dough pulls together turn it onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat.
  • Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • While dough is rising, melt 3/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar, whisking until smooth.
  • Pour into greased 9x13" baking pan.
  • Melt remaining butter; set aside. Combine remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup pecans and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and roll to an 18x14" rectangle.
  • Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Leaving 1/2" border uncovered, sprinkle with brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Starting at the long side, roll up (not too tightly!), pinching seam to seal. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. With a serrated knife, cut dough into 15 pieces and place cut-side down in prepared pan.
  • Cover and let rise until doubles in volume, about 1 hour. Meanwhile preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 
  • Bake buns for 25 to 30 minutes OR until golden brown. Let cool in pan for 3 minutes.
  • Invert pan onto serving platter and allow buns to slowly leave the pan. Scrape any remaining filling from the pan onto the buns.
  • Enjoy!

---

• 
  

My Little Girl is ONE!

Oh where o where has my precious time gone, a year has passed and my baby is now 1. What a great day March 1st was, many tears of joy and love. We wanted to celebrate in the same joy and love we felt that day. Obviously I was more excited about this day then she was, I had been planing it for months. All the thought that went into every detail was what made it so her! Eva has grown this love for her big stuffy cow, their has been endless moments of kisses, hugs and cuddles. Cow can turn a frown, upside down!
So we had a cow theme, with cow decorations and a cow birthday cake. Of course I had to buy every cow decorative item I could find.. i was really wanting to go all out!! I do reckon people thought I must have a cow fetish with all the cow items I would have in my cart.

Now the birthday cake let me tell you, was a project in itself. One day to make the buttercream icing and marshmallow fondant(which was amazing to work with). Another day was cake baking, followed by a 4 hour evening of assembling. Thank you Lord for blessing me with a artsy husband, who was willing to help me make it happen.

It was a small birthday with a couple of Eva's friends and some family. She had her very own birthday girl outfit that I had been saving for this special day. Everything turned out just as I imagined, my thoughts are even thought they may not remember that day... they only turn 1 once!

A couple days before her Birthday she started walking on her own. Talk about the most exciting, yet scary moment so far. She was so confident with a permanent proud smile on her face. I was the one walking behind her ready to catch her if she fell. Now we have not just a walker but a runner on our hands.
 Its keeping me in shape, I don't need workout machines anymore just a walking toodler!!

Venturing Into Mommyhood.

When i think back all the emotions i was feeling when i found out the news of the new addition to our family. I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy, then at the same time fear of all the unknowns. Thankful that in that moment i felt the incredible love and grace of God that all that fear diminished.  Fear was replaced with peace and trust. I knew at that moment that God was knitting our little girl together in my womb. 

Pregnancy was indescribable, the emotions, the movements, the feelings of carrying life inside your tummy. 

I pray that every woman gets to experience that at some point in their life... thee most amazing gift! 

9 months seemed like an eternity, all i wanted to do was hold perfection in my arms, kiss her and tell her she is beautiful.

Then suddenly March 1, 2010 all my dreams can true, I birthed the new love of our life.... Eva Rae Belgrave. 

It was in that moment it felt like the world stopped and all that remained was the love we had for the new life God had blessed us with. I felt all the love we had for one another, and all the love we had experienced in our relationship with God suddenly gravitated to our daughter. I remember moments of holding Eva after returning home, looking at her with tears in our eyes... thanking God for this breathtaking gift that he has entrusted us with. An angel straight from heaven, i was holding in my arms. God never seized to confirm that to us, with numerous encounters of Gold Dust all over Eva's body....  those are moments when you know heaven all around. 

Watching Eva grow up and discover new things, i sit back in amazement of the wonder she displays. I see the very nature of Christ illuminating from her. That bright smile and contagious laugh always seems to come at the right time. 

My favourite moments are catching her laughing at nothing in particular, but in what seems like uncontrollable laughter. Its like God is having his own personal time with her, giving her JOY like a fountain. 

I love being the one to pick her up out of the crib in the morning and after naps, the excitement of seeing me is plastered all over her face, she can't contain herself.. its like we have both been waiting for this moment. We walk out of the room together and she starts laughing and piercing her lips together going "hoo hoo hoo" We sit down to enjoy a moment together and next thing i know she is looking in the distance waving, with a big smile on her face. In my mind, she's visiting with angels. Sometimes I wish I could join her in what she sees and feels. But i feel honoured the be a part of those precious moments. 

My little girl is almost one, where has the time gone. It was almost a year ago, i was counting down the days till i could meet her.. thinking every night could be the NIGHT! And now a year has passed us by, so with no regrets thus far we confidently walk into another joyous year of motherhood. Watching and waiting for those encounters that make my heart melt. 

I feel like I have found my destiny, to enjoy the wonderful blessings from God.. my wonderful loving husband and my beautiful daughter. With my heart exploding with love, and my head held high i fully jump into everything God has for me in my Journey into Mommyhood. 

Feel free to join me in this journey, in posting some of your own memories or proud mommy moments. I just want to share my heart with you and what God teaches me along the way.  

xoxo

Kara