Homemade Christmas crafts and fun for the kiddos!

I tried a craft with the girls a few nights ago. I can't say it was the easiest thing to do but it sure was fun! We are trying to think of gifts this year that may have more meaning... So, I decided to make ornaments with a special touch from the girls.

Here is the recipe I used for baking soda clay:

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup cornstarch

2/3 cup water

Keep stirring over medium heat until it starts to clump together. Remove from the heat and keep stirring. Use a rolling pin to roll the mixture out to about 3/4'' and start to create! Be careful, it is hot! I used a glass to cut circles and it worked really well. Also think about painting them with acrylic paint after they dry. I put them on wax paper and waited until they dried before decorating. I was too chicken to try to bake them because I thought it would stick to the pan. All that hard work! Don't forget...keep any not in use covered by a wet towel so that it doesn't dry out.

I will try to post pictures after the holidays! I have a few going out as gifts.

I am Mr. Beat Social Studies Channel

Just a shout out to my husband, Matt. His goal is to get to 1000 subscribers on You Tube by the end of the year. Matt is an extremely hard-working and caring social studies teacher. His passion is teaching others in hopes that they will have an open mind and learn in new ways.

https://www.youtube.com/user/iammrbeat

Something to put in my back pocket and try later

How cool is this!? Why didn't I think of this? I definitely want to try ordering from this site: myoatmeal.com

NON-GMO Sourced... what?

Well all... here we go again. I am so glad that I started this so that I can learn more about the dreaded GMO. I started cooking dinner for the family tonight (like every night). I got all the ingredients out for the stand-by meal of grilled cheese and vegetarian beans. Hey, it is a quick and easy meal for a Monday evening. I had the whole grain bread and NON-GMO butter out. You know, I was pretty proud of my purchases at the store last weekend when I was searching for NON-GMO products. My butter was even NON-GMO....... Sourced. Wait, what? I knew when I purchased it that it wasn't certified NON-GMO. But what is NON-GMO sourced?

Photo by: Shannon Beat



Well crap. I decided to look on the container for more information. There was an asterisk after all.

Photo by: Shannon Beat

 

Right from the container it states, "We source ingredients that are not genetically modified. However, in the field-to-tub journey of making our buttery spread there is some contact with genetically modified vegetable oils, resulting in a small amount in this product."

 

There you have it. ::sigh:: It appears that the brand is attempting to cater to those that are aware of GMOs in our foods. My husband said, "well, they are trying." I suppose that is right. My question is why couldn't they use NON-GMO vegetable oils? Is it really that hard to obtain? Too expensive? Now I want to know how companies get their products and foods to be NON-GMO certified. What is the process? Is it really that hard?

 

So, what did I learn? Be on the look out for NON-GMO SOURCED vs. NON-GMO CERTIFIED. I suppose it is a step in the right direction.

ENR's newest track!

Introducing my husband, Matt Beat.

What do you think about the Holidays? Here is what Matt Beat of Electric Needle Room thinks...

The Holidays Are Crap

Genetically Modified Organisms {GMOs}

I set out today to find healthy options for my family while purchasing groceries for the week. My husband and I try to put the best food on the table for our family. It just seems this is getting harder and harder because of the quality of food these days. I am still learning about GMOs so I decided to share what I have been doing to be more aware. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your own journey to learn more about GMOs:

1. Follow the Non-GMO Project on Facebook. This will keep you up-to-date on news and happenings in the non-GMO/GMO world.
2. Check out this site for a ton of great information at nongmoproject.org. What do you really need to know and what do you need to do to take action?
3. See a list of Verified Products before you purchase. Because all companies hold their products to the highest standards, right? {insert sarcastic tone}What is safe and chemical-free to eat?
4. Consider shopping at your local Farmers' Market, Whole Foods, Natural Grocer or other local health food store. I know that it can be pricey but consider it an investment in your future.
5. @NonGMOProject on Twitter
6. There are a ton of great documentaries related to the agricultural and food industries in the United States. Consider taking the time to learn more about what you are putting in your body. GMO OMG
7. Visit usda.gov

Holiday Entertaining

What are your turkey alternatives? I am looking for alternative main dishes for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted cauliflower
• Fruit turkey
• Tofurkey
• Turkey-less turkey
• Cheese lasagna
• Squash
• Salad

 

A Rant on Aches and Pains

I went shopping today for our weekly grocery supplies. I can tell that the aches and pains of pregnancy are getting a little more pronounced. I had difficulty moving the groceries from the cart to check out. I am going on 21 weeks pregnant (already) this week and I can definitely tell. I can probably attribute this to clearing out the old office yesterday to make way for the new baby's room. I didn't do the heavy lifting but I sure worked hard! Here's to the next 19 weeks!

Yogurt

A good source of protein is Greek yogurt. I picked up some today at Whole Foods. The vanilla flavor of the 365 Whole Foods brand has 17 grams of protein and only 160 calories. That is awesome! I like to add granola to it too. It is good for an afternoon snack or to add with your lunch.

But, what do you do for protein?

 

I love how that is the first questions when someone finds out that I am a vegetarian. What do I do for protein? I almost want to ask the question back. Chances are "most people" don't know what the recommended intake for protein is in their diet. However, chances are "most vegetarians" know. Non-vegetarians, for the most part, think that if meat is in their diet they are good to go. From my research the recommended intake is about 45 grams per day increasing to about 70 grams per day if you are pregnant.

 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/412277-recommended-protein-intake-for-pregnant-women/

 

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein

 

My quest for this blog is eat foods for a well balanced nutrition during my pregnancy... Yes, including protein. I want to show that it is okay to be pregnant and a vegetarian. I ate a vegetarian diet through my last pregnancy and I now have a healthy 2 1/2 year old. So, let this journey begin!