I love ordering baked potatoes at restaurants. They are always perfect. The inside is moist, and the skin is delicious. The baked potatoes that have emerged from my oven were never up to par - until this weekend. I finally learned the secret to the perfect baked potato. Thank you Alton Brown. We will be eating baked potatoes much more often.
The Baked Potato
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 0 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 1 potato per person
Ingredients
1 large russet potato (If it looks like Mr. Potato Head(r), you've got the right one.)
Canola oil to coat
Kosher salt
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam.
NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
~ Enjoy!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Affordable Natural Skin Care - That Works
Learning that I had celiac disease and that I needed to avoid products with gluten in them opened my eyes to the brands of natural skin and hair care. Sadly, I was constantly frustrated with price and performance. Being pregnant for the first time made me pay even more attention to what I was putting in and on my body. Getting pregnant a second time has completely opened my eyes to the world of natural skin care.
I've been a loyal Clinique fan for many years. Their 3-Step skin care system gave me great results. However, I found that I NEEDED the products to keep my skin looking good. That annoyed me since I had great skin before I started wearing makeup.
So, I sought out another solution. Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep has become a tremendous resource for me. I was determined to find another 3-step line. I spent a long time researching different brands. I found several, but finally decided that I needed to make my own. This gives me total control over the ingredients.
Step 1 - Cleanse
I use Vermont Soap Unscented Aloe Castile. Make sure to choose an unscented variety to prevent stinging! It is very effective at removing dirt and makeup. If you need a little extra help removing eye makeup, gently dab the eye area with a cotton ball dipped in olive oil before cleansing.
Step 2 - Tone
I LOVE Aura Cacia's Toning Facial Mist! Toning is my absolute favorite of these steps. The only thing I do differently, is that I apply it using a cotton ball instead of spraying it on.
Toning Facial Mist
Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a tonifying/balancing facial mist.
Ingredients
2 ounces distilled water
6 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Directions
Pour into a spray mister bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spritzing this refreshing blend onto clean skin. If your complexion tends to be dry add 10-15 drops of jojoba or grapeseed oil along with the essential oils.
Step 3 - Moisturize
This is the only step that makes me miss Clinique. I adore Moisture Surge. Conquering this step will take some experimentation. Moisturize your skin with a very small amount of the oil of your choice. Since my skin is rarely dry or oily, I only moisturize at night to avoid any greasiness under my makeup. If your skin is dry, you may need to moisturize in the morning and at night. Any oil can be used. My skin loves coconut oil. You can also try jojoba, gapeseed, olive, cocoa butter (make sure it is 100% cocoa butter), almond, and more.
That's it! Purchasing the materials to get started may be slightly cost prohibitive, but they will last you many, many years. Start with what you can. Most health food stores and even Target carry castile soap. That is an easy one! I already had all of the essential oils except clary sage, so I just skipped it. The toner works fine without it. I purchase my oils from iHerb. I have found them to have the best prices. Enter the code MAN073 to save $5 off your first order!! Health food stores will also carry essential oils. Moisturizing oils are also readily available at your local health food store and at iHerb.
How do you keep your skin healthy?
I've been a loyal Clinique fan for many years. Their 3-Step skin care system gave me great results. However, I found that I NEEDED the products to keep my skin looking good. That annoyed me since I had great skin before I started wearing makeup.
So, I sought out another solution. Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep has become a tremendous resource for me. I was determined to find another 3-step line. I spent a long time researching different brands. I found several, but finally decided that I needed to make my own. This gives me total control over the ingredients.
Step 1 - Cleanse
I use Vermont Soap Unscented Aloe Castile. Make sure to choose an unscented variety to prevent stinging! It is very effective at removing dirt and makeup. If you need a little extra help removing eye makeup, gently dab the eye area with a cotton ball dipped in olive oil before cleansing.
Step 2 - Tone
I LOVE Aura Cacia's Toning Facial Mist! Toning is my absolute favorite of these steps. The only thing I do differently, is that I apply it using a cotton ball instead of spraying it on.
Toning Facial Mist
Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a tonifying/balancing facial mist.
Ingredients
2 ounces distilled water
6 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Directions
Pour into a spray mister bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spritzing this refreshing blend onto clean skin. If your complexion tends to be dry add 10-15 drops of jojoba or grapeseed oil along with the essential oils.
Step 3 - Moisturize
This is the only step that makes me miss Clinique. I adore Moisture Surge. Conquering this step will take some experimentation. Moisturize your skin with a very small amount of the oil of your choice. Since my skin is rarely dry or oily, I only moisturize at night to avoid any greasiness under my makeup. If your skin is dry, you may need to moisturize in the morning and at night. Any oil can be used. My skin loves coconut oil. You can also try jojoba, gapeseed, olive, cocoa butter (make sure it is 100% cocoa butter), almond, and more.
That's it! Purchasing the materials to get started may be slightly cost prohibitive, but they will last you many, many years. Start with what you can. Most health food stores and even Target carry castile soap. That is an easy one! I already had all of the essential oils except clary sage, so I just skipped it. The toner works fine without it. I purchase my oils from iHerb. I have found them to have the best prices. Enter the code MAN073 to save $5 off your first order!! Health food stores will also carry essential oils. Moisturizing oils are also readily available at your local health food store and at iHerb.
How do you keep your skin healthy?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cloth Diapering Basics
I LOVE my cloth diapers. I even love to wash them. Call me crazy, but I look forward to diaper laundry days. I wouldn't mind doing it every day. It is very gratifying to me!
My intention here is not to go into go into details about why to cloth diaper. There are many sites that have that covered very well. What I want to discuss is how to start SUCCESSFULLY and how to stick with it! To do this, you must understand the different options. They will not all work for everyone. Expect to experiment!
I started when my little one was just two weeks old. It didn't go so well. To that point, she had never experienced diaper rash. From the first prefold, we had rash. So she hated cloth. She would scream even when I put a dry diaper on her. We took a break for a while. After about a month, we decided to try pocket diapers. This time (thanks to oh so soft fleece), she did not scream about wearing cloth, but she pooped out of the legs. So, I looked for another option. I then tried Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts paired with a Thirsties Duo cover. Ahh. They worked. Happy Baby. Happy Mama.
First, you must understand the different types of cloth diapers.
Flats - a very traditional diaper. Flats are large one ply pieces of fabric that must be folded into a diaper. They allow you to customize where you want the extra absorbency. You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin around baby. Snappi's are a great alternative to pins! This diaper does require a cover. Example: Flats
Prefolds - traditional, standard diapers. They are made of multiple layers of fabric that you then fold to fit your baby. Buy good ones and they will last you through multiple children. Each company has different sizes. You will find manufacturers that have only one size requiring you to fold the extra down in either the front or the back. Other manufacturers have multiple sizes that are made to fit baby at a particular time - no excess fabric here! You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin or snappi around baby. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Prefolds
Inserts - rectangles of fabric. These are simply placed inside a diaper cover. There is no need (or ability) to pin to baby. This is a low cost option to have stay dry fabrics against baby's skin. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts, Flip Hybrid Diaper System
Contours - the in-between diaper. They are shaped like a diaper. Extra fabric is folded down in the front, then the tabs are secured with pins or a snappi. This is an economical way to get the leak protection of a fitted. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Imse Vimse
Fitteds - the ultimate protection. Fitteds are like contours, fitting baby just like a disposable diaper. The difference is in the closure. Fitteds are closed with Aplix or snaps instead of pins or snappis. Fitteds (and really contours, too) do the best job at containing leaks. You have the elastic leg of the fitted diaper as well as the protection of the cover keeping everything inside. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Kissaluvs
Pockets - closer to a disposable. Pockets are the first diaper we've discussed that DO NOT require a cover. The cover is built into the diaper. The diaper has an outside shell and an insert (which is almost identical to the insert of the insert diaper above). You stuff the diaper with the amount of absorbency your baby needs. This is perhaps one of the most popular diapers. They are very customizable and easy to use. Like a fitted, you will have the choice between Aplix closures and snaps. This diaper does not require a cover. Examples: bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth Diaper, Happy Heinys One for All
All-in-Ones - the closest thing to a disposable diaper. All-in-Ones are a one piece diapering solution. There are no pockets to stuff or covers to add. The diaper is simply secured to baby with Aplix or snap closures. This diaper does not require a cover. Example - bumGenius Elemental
Now that you know about the types of cloth diapers, it is time to learn about the differences in diaper covers.
Standard diaper covers are waterproof shells (usually made from PUL) that secure around your baby like a disposable. They close with Aplix or snaps.
All of the following choices are represented by Thirsties and Flip diaper covers. Please reference these links.
The first choice to consider is the edging. Some companies like Thirsties use fold-over elastic. Others like Flip use the same fabric as the rest of the cover with elastic in a casing. The fold-over elastic does have more potential for wicking. Wicking can also occur with the PUL lined fabric by the leg opening, though it is likely to be much slower.
Gussets are another thing to consider. Thirsties essentially have an inner and outer leg casing. They feel that this provides the ultimate leak protection. Flip does not have gussets. Gussets generally mean a smaller leg opening, which could make them a good choice for a skinnier baby.
Finally, think about sizing. Thirsties offers sized covers (four sizes from birth to potty) and two size covers. Flip would be an example of a one size cover.
There are other fabric options besides PUL. Fleece would be the first. It offers excellent leak protection. Example: Happy Heinys
Wool is a great natural fiber to consider. Wool soakers have been used for many, many years. They are a fantastic option that allows baby's skin to breathe - perfect for a rashy baby. They can also be used as a traning pant cover. Example - Kissaluvs
So, how should you get started? I recommend buying prefolds and a few covers. This requires little investment. Plan to buy about a dozen prefolds and a few covers. You can do this for around $50. Then, buy other styles and brands to try while you decide what works best for you. Remember to think about the fabric you want touching your baby. Is a natural fiber important to you? Use hemp, cotton, or bamboo. Do you want baby to feel dry? Use microfiber or fleece by baby's skin.
Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com) is a great place to buy and sell used cloth diapers. You can sometimes even find deals on new ones! Your local cloth diaper store may also offer used. Once you've discovered the best combination for you and your baby, you can sell what hasn't worked for you.
Brands of cloth diapers are like brands of clothes - they all fit differently. One brand may fit one baby perfectly and be awful on another. Don't choose a brand because YOU like it or you like what they stand for. This was one of my early mistakes. You have to test it to see if it really works on your baby.
Washing diapers is EASY! You can find recommended detergents here.
Regular machines
HE machines
Wash your diapers with a pre-wash (use warm water or skip it), hot wash, and an extra rinse. That's it! Do not use additives like vinegar or baking soda. Find a detergent that works instead! To extend the life of your diapers, line or rack dry. You can fluff in the dryer at the end to soften them up. If you do choose to use the dryer, check the label of your diapers. Using the dryer can void the warranty of many brands. DO NOT dry covers in the dryer. The heat can warp snaps.
One more option - there are wonderful businesses called diaper services that do everything but change your baby! They drop off clean diapers and leave with your soiled ones. How easy is that?!?
And there you have it. The (very) basics of cloth diapering!
My intention here is not to go into go into details about why to cloth diaper. There are many sites that have that covered very well. What I want to discuss is how to start SUCCESSFULLY and how to stick with it! To do this, you must understand the different options. They will not all work for everyone. Expect to experiment!
I started when my little one was just two weeks old. It didn't go so well. To that point, she had never experienced diaper rash. From the first prefold, we had rash. So she hated cloth. She would scream even when I put a dry diaper on her. We took a break for a while. After about a month, we decided to try pocket diapers. This time (thanks to oh so soft fleece), she did not scream about wearing cloth, but she pooped out of the legs. So, I looked for another option. I then tried Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts paired with a Thirsties Duo cover. Ahh. They worked. Happy Baby. Happy Mama.
First, you must understand the different types of cloth diapers.
Flats - a very traditional diaper. Flats are large one ply pieces of fabric that must be folded into a diaper. They allow you to customize where you want the extra absorbency. You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin around baby. Snappi's are a great alternative to pins! This diaper does require a cover. Example: Flats
Prefolds - traditional, standard diapers. They are made of multiple layers of fabric that you then fold to fit your baby. Buy good ones and they will last you through multiple children. Each company has different sizes. You will find manufacturers that have only one size requiring you to fold the extra down in either the front or the back. Other manufacturers have multiple sizes that are made to fit baby at a particular time - no excess fabric here! You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin or snappi around baby. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Prefolds
Inserts - rectangles of fabric. These are simply placed inside a diaper cover. There is no need (or ability) to pin to baby. This is a low cost option to have stay dry fabrics against baby's skin. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts, Flip Hybrid Diaper System
Contours - the in-between diaper. They are shaped like a diaper. Extra fabric is folded down in the front, then the tabs are secured with pins or a snappi. This is an economical way to get the leak protection of a fitted. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Imse Vimse
Fitteds - the ultimate protection. Fitteds are like contours, fitting baby just like a disposable diaper. The difference is in the closure. Fitteds are closed with Aplix or snaps instead of pins or snappis. Fitteds (and really contours, too) do the best job at containing leaks. You have the elastic leg of the fitted diaper as well as the protection of the cover keeping everything inside. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Kissaluvs
Pockets - closer to a disposable. Pockets are the first diaper we've discussed that DO NOT require a cover. The cover is built into the diaper. The diaper has an outside shell and an insert (which is almost identical to the insert of the insert diaper above). You stuff the diaper with the amount of absorbency your baby needs. This is perhaps one of the most popular diapers. They are very customizable and easy to use. Like a fitted, you will have the choice between Aplix closures and snaps. This diaper does not require a cover. Examples: bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth Diaper, Happy Heinys One for All
All-in-Ones - the closest thing to a disposable diaper. All-in-Ones are a one piece diapering solution. There are no pockets to stuff or covers to add. The diaper is simply secured to baby with Aplix or snap closures. This diaper does not require a cover. Example - bumGenius Elemental
Now that you know about the types of cloth diapers, it is time to learn about the differences in diaper covers.
Standard diaper covers are waterproof shells (usually made from PUL) that secure around your baby like a disposable. They close with Aplix or snaps.
All of the following choices are represented by Thirsties and Flip diaper covers. Please reference these links.
The first choice to consider is the edging. Some companies like Thirsties use fold-over elastic. Others like Flip use the same fabric as the rest of the cover with elastic in a casing. The fold-over elastic does have more potential for wicking. Wicking can also occur with the PUL lined fabric by the leg opening, though it is likely to be much slower.
Gussets are another thing to consider. Thirsties essentially have an inner and outer leg casing. They feel that this provides the ultimate leak protection. Flip does not have gussets. Gussets generally mean a smaller leg opening, which could make them a good choice for a skinnier baby.
Finally, think about sizing. Thirsties offers sized covers (four sizes from birth to potty) and two size covers. Flip would be an example of a one size cover.
There are other fabric options besides PUL. Fleece would be the first. It offers excellent leak protection. Example: Happy Heinys
Wool is a great natural fiber to consider. Wool soakers have been used for many, many years. They are a fantastic option that allows baby's skin to breathe - perfect for a rashy baby. They can also be used as a traning pant cover. Example - Kissaluvs
So, how should you get started? I recommend buying prefolds and a few covers. This requires little investment. Plan to buy about a dozen prefolds and a few covers. You can do this for around $50. Then, buy other styles and brands to try while you decide what works best for you. Remember to think about the fabric you want touching your baby. Is a natural fiber important to you? Use hemp, cotton, or bamboo. Do you want baby to feel dry? Use microfiber or fleece by baby's skin.
Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com) is a great place to buy and sell used cloth diapers. You can sometimes even find deals on new ones! Your local cloth diaper store may also offer used. Once you've discovered the best combination for you and your baby, you can sell what hasn't worked for you.
Brands of cloth diapers are like brands of clothes - they all fit differently. One brand may fit one baby perfectly and be awful on another. Don't choose a brand because YOU like it or you like what they stand for. This was one of my early mistakes. You have to test it to see if it really works on your baby.
Washing diapers is EASY! You can find recommended detergents here.
Regular machines
HE machines
Wash your diapers with a pre-wash (use warm water or skip it), hot wash, and an extra rinse. That's it! Do not use additives like vinegar or baking soda. Find a detergent that works instead! To extend the life of your diapers, line or rack dry. You can fluff in the dryer at the end to soften them up. If you do choose to use the dryer, check the label of your diapers. Using the dryer can void the warranty of many brands. DO NOT dry covers in the dryer. The heat can warp snaps.
One more option - there are wonderful businesses called diaper services that do everything but change your baby! They drop off clean diapers and leave with your soiled ones. How easy is that?!?
And there you have it. The (very) basics of cloth diapering!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Set a Schedule
I'm not the world's greatest housekeeper. Just ask my husband. He'll tell you! One of my biggest personal goals is to be able to leave the house every Sunday morning with lunch in the crockpot and a house clean enough to invite someone home to eat with us. We love to entertain. Setting a cleaning schedule has really helped me to make sure that the whole house gets cleaned every week. This makes planned company so much easier!
Let's be realistic. I have a 20 month old and am360 36 weeks pregnant. Cleaning the house all at once is IMPOSSIBLE. I'm always stopping to give hugs and examine boo boos. Also, I can never have every room picked up at the same time. My daughter always has a room pulled apart by the time I finish another one. That was a huge source of frustration. Breaking the chores up into daily tasks makes the job much more attainable.
Here's my weekly plan.
Monday - deep clean the kitchen (each room includes cleaning the floors)
Tuesday - clean the bedrooms
Wednesday - clean the bathrooms
Thursday - clean the living room and hallways
Saturday - weed the flowerbeds
No, my house is not all clean at once. But having it clean each week is huge to me. Notice that I keep one day a week open. This is crucial to success! I can have a play date any day and simply move that day's task to another day.
What's your secret to a clean house?
Let's be realistic. I have a 20 month old and am
Here's my weekly plan.
Monday - deep clean the kitchen (each room includes cleaning the floors)
Tuesday - clean the bedrooms
Wednesday - clean the bathrooms
Thursday - clean the living room and hallways
Saturday - weed the flowerbeds
No, my house is not all clean at once. But having it clean each week is huge to me. Notice that I keep one day a week open. This is crucial to success! I can have a play date any day and simply move that day's task to another day.
What's your secret to a clean house?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
All These Things
I've wanted my own blog for a long time. I hesitated because so many of my friends have started wonderful blogs of their own. But I love to write. My days as an author actually precede my physical capacity to write. Before I could form pen strokes into legible words, I dictated my works to my mom who graciously recorded them. I then illustrated my "book" to complete it. My favorite is the story of Big Blue. But that is for another post...
The phrase "all these things" appears in Scripture 56 times in 22 different books. One of my favorite verses that it appears in is Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart." The verse is referring to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ. I imagine that Mary spent many hours rehearsing the birth of her Son. There must have been many details that continued to amaze her years after his birth. The birth of my daughter continues to amaze me! Giving birth to the Son of God is beyond my imagination. Another very fitting verse for my blog is Romans 8:37, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." In fact, that is perhaps the perfect verse for this mother.
Just recently I was feeling terribly overwhelmed with housework. It seems that no matter how many hours I spend each day, I am never finished. Now, I do realize that by nature housework will never end. However, at the end of many days, things just seem worse than when the day began. I can easily get caught up in my to-do list and become impatient with my daughter. She doesn't understand the importance of typing recipes to print on 4x6 cards nor my sense of urgency to get it done before her brother arrives. Imagine that! Recently, I have noticed that she behaves so much better when she feels that she is getting all the attention from me that she is requesting. Sometimes typing an email to her daddy can take an hour because I am interrupted every two minutes. Often, it is just a hug, but many times she needs more. What am I really to conquer in a day? It seems like there should be SOMETHING tangible done at the end of every day. The end of Matthew 6:34 says "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Each day holds its own joys and challenges, but there is always something in which I can find victory.
So, "all these things" will refer to many different topics. They may not always be pleasant topics (can wiping dirty bottoms really be pleasant?!?), but I will alway seek to find the good. Despite my frustrations, I adore being a homemaker and a mother. What wonderful jobs they are! I look forward to sharing my journey with you!
The phrase "all these things" appears in Scripture 56 times in 22 different books. One of my favorite verses that it appears in is Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart." The verse is referring to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ. I imagine that Mary spent many hours rehearsing the birth of her Son. There must have been many details that continued to amaze her years after his birth. The birth of my daughter continues to amaze me! Giving birth to the Son of God is beyond my imagination. Another very fitting verse for my blog is Romans 8:37, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." In fact, that is perhaps the perfect verse for this mother.
Just recently I was feeling terribly overwhelmed with housework. It seems that no matter how many hours I spend each day, I am never finished. Now, I do realize that by nature housework will never end. However, at the end of many days, things just seem worse than when the day began. I can easily get caught up in my to-do list and become impatient with my daughter. She doesn't understand the importance of typing recipes to print on 4x6 cards nor my sense of urgency to get it done before her brother arrives. Imagine that! Recently, I have noticed that she behaves so much better when she feels that she is getting all the attention from me that she is requesting. Sometimes typing an email to her daddy can take an hour because I am interrupted every two minutes. Often, it is just a hug, but many times she needs more. What am I really to conquer in a day? It seems like there should be SOMETHING tangible done at the end of every day. The end of Matthew 6:34 says "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Each day holds its own joys and challenges, but there is always something in which I can find victory.
So, "all these things" will refer to many different topics. They may not always be pleasant topics (can wiping dirty bottoms really be pleasant?!?), but I will alway seek to find the good. Despite my frustrations, I adore being a homemaker and a mother. What wonderful jobs they are! I look forward to sharing my journey with you!
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