christinarenee

How I Get My Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegatables

1 Comment / Children, Meals / By
Do you have trouble getting your kids to eat fruits and vegetables? Here's how to get them to eat more of them.

My kids love to eat fruits and vegetables. And I often get asked how I get my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. Here’s how…

Let Them Help Make It

When they help make meals, let them help. If they are the ones making the salad, they’ll be more inclined to try it. Have them help make a veggie tray or fruit salad. Make dips with either. Kids love to dip fruits or vegetables. You can use a ranch dip or peanut butter with a variety of vegetables or even the peanut butter with apples is a favorite treat at my house. There’s great dips for fruit too.

Praise Them

Make sure everyone know what recipe was made and by who. “And we have these wonderful candies carrots made by Johnny. ” or “Susie made the salad tonight.” Also, when we make salads, we always put all the extras in different bowls and they can pick their own toppings.

When they try a new fruit or vegetable, praise them. “Good job eating your peas.”

Make them try it. We have a rule you have to try a little just to be polite. And a lot of foods thy need to try several times to like it.

Let Them Pick It Out

When you go to the store let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable. We’ve tried some very different ones we might not have ever tried by doing this. We only get one or a small bit if it comes in lbs and everybody tries it. Some are great and we add them in our menus and some are flops. But you don’t know unless you try.

Garden

We have almost always had a garden and the kids have always helped. They love picking them and showing me the vegetable that “they” grew. It’s much easier to get them to try something new that they helped with and they grew. The only thing you have to watch out for is they will eat everything and you won’t get any for dinner. Smile. We grew sugar snap peas and the kids ate every one before they even came in the house. And I have one daughter who even now will eat every cherry tomato she can.

Hide Them

You an sneak fruits and vegetables into a lot of different meals. I put a lot of shredded vegetables in my spaghetti sauce. Zucchini has very little taste and can be added to many things. Butternut squash can be added to any cheese sauce. I have also dried vegetables and added them thicken sauces.

What ways do you do to get your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables?

Please follow and like us:

What You Can Do To Make Recovery Easier

1 Comment / Health, Thoughts / By
Recovery isn't easy. Here are some ways to make it easier for you and your family.

Ways to Make Recovery Easier

I know that there are times in life that you are not able to as active asyou would like whether due to sickness, pregnancy bed rest, chronic illness, surgery or accidents. There still are things that you can do to make the most of this time.

I had surgery a month ago and am still non-weight bearing. This eliminates a lot of things that I can do, but not all. Fortunately, there are now knee scooters that work better than crutches. B

Plan

First, if you can plan for this, such as surgery, pregnancy or any illness that you know you’ll have bad days. Plan as much as you can in advance.

Make Meals Ahead

I always try to have freezer meals made ahead. But, when I know I have surgery coming up or for pregnancy I stock up. I make as many freezer meals as I have room to store. If you don’t like to cook, you can pick them up in the store. Now you can even get your groceries delivered. Also, kids can cook. Have a list of easy recipes that they can make. They feel capable and love that they can help.

Kid Boxes

I like to keep some things that they’ve never seen to keep them occupied. Even dollar store play doh or new coloring books can keep them busy. Keep a new book you can read to them while you are lying down. Spend time with them. Kids value times one on one more than anything else. Talk to them, listen, play a game, just be with them.

Minimum Maintenence

You won’t get everything done. You’ll have to learn to be tolerant of that but things still need done. The main things are dishes and laundry. Everyone has to wear clothes and eat. But, you can make it easier. Use paper plates. Or eat finger food that you can use a napkin. Have a load of laundry done and have it brought to you to fold. Another child can sweep. It is amazing how much children can do to help but don’t hold them to your standards. Make them feel appreciated.

Depression

It’s very common for anyone to become depressed after enforced bed rest, injury, surgery, chronic illness or any time you are laid up for a while no matter the reason. It is easy to have a poor me attitude. No ones likes being laid up and a lot of time you’re in pain. I allow myself 5 minutes. to feel sorry for myself. Then I pick myself up, put on a smile and try and be optimistic. Read uplifting books, pray and talk to others. Lean on God. Don’t isolate yourself, that makes it worse. You have more to give than you think you do.

What tips do you have for down times?

Please follow and like us:

My Word of the Year and Goals for 2019

1 Comment / Simplify, Thoughts / By
My Word of the Year and Goals for 2019

Intentional

Although I am still recovering from surgery, I am trying to use the time wisely. Since I can’t put weight on my foot, I am doing a lot of seated work. Intentional is the way I want to live my life. Too often, we are going through life reacting to our circumstances instead of working toward the goals we want to achieve. So, Intentional is my word of the year and intentionally plan my goals for this year.

This post contains affiliate link in which I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Intentional Personal Goals

I am desperately trying to give up soda. Having been a soda addict for years and knowing how bad it is for me, it is still a struggle to give it up. I have a blog post coming up with my plan on how to do it.

Every year I read the Bible all the way through and I still learn something new every time. I am looking for a new yearly devotional if anyone has one they love. Last year, I used Savor and loved it

.Intentional Health

Tacking healthy habits onto something I already do or exchange an unhealthy habit for a healthier one I’ve read is a great way to make them stick. I am drinking more water, each time I feel hungry I reach for the water first. Exercising at least 3 days per week even while healing. I have found a great many videos on Youtube to exercise with an injured foot including exercises in bed. and Sit and Be Fit were all great. Just because one part of my body is injured is no excuse for not exercising. It just has to be modified.

Intentional Marriage

It is so easy as the years go by to take your spouse for granted. I plan to be intentional in praying for my husband, showing him respect and love. We made plans for date nights bimonthly, taking time to talk beyond the surface stuff, go away for our anniversary and read/ listen to ways to improve our marriage.

Intentional Parenting

I’ve been reading Parenting Teens with Love and Logic. There is some great stuff in there. It is parenting from the offensive instead of the defensive position. Our youngest will be a teenager in 2 months. And what worked with one child might not work at all with the next child. You need to find their “hot spot.” I am working on being firmer, sometimes I can be to soft and need to be more logical.

Intentional Homemaking

I have been watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix lately. When we moved it was horrible. We have too much stuff! I plan on eliminating a lot of things in our home. I’m working on a plan to teach my children to cook more. and that’s something I enjoy. I’d love to try making some of the bakery items from The British Baking Show Masterclass.

Intentional with my Blog

I plan to be more intentional about posting on a regular schedule of Mondays and Thursdays. I would love to answer more questions for you for the struggles in your life. And soon there will be a free subscribers area. Freebies!

Do you have a word of the year? What is your plan to make it happen?

Please follow and like us:

Top 10 Products for Getting Meals on the Table

9 Comments / Home, Meals, Simplify / By
Top 10 Products for Getting Meals on the Table

Mom life is hard. Getting everyone fed, with healthy foods, and on a budget is even harder. So I’m sharing my favorite products to make your life and dinners a little easier.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.” 

Instant Pot

As you know from my last post, that I love my Instant Pot. I can cook cheaper cuts of meat that fall apart that when you pick them up, they’re that tender. And if I forget to thaw it, you can put your meat in and still have dinner, only a little bit later.

Accessories

This accessory pack has the basics you will use. I love making the sou-vide egg bites and trying different flavors. The springform pan makes cheesecake a breeze. Making rich flavorful stock with the steamer basket is a cinch since all you do is pull out the basket. Yum, Stock ready and waiting for you.B

Stack N’ Cook Pans

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these Stack N’ Cook pans. I make custard in them almost every week. All kinds of casseroles, quiches, puddings and reheating leftovers go in these pans. It has 2 lids, 1 has holes to let the steam out. And they stack so you can have different foods in each pan.

Food Sealer

I use my food sealer to save money. When I buy meat by the case, I repackage it in meal-sized portions. You can also cook directly in the bags. I have a marinade container that quickly infuses meats.

Slow Cooker

I use my slow cooker to start supper after breakfast. I make up a lot of freezer meals and then, it’s just dumping and cook. And coming in after being out of your home; the smells are incredible.

Stand Mixer

Having a stand mixer makes cooking faster, easier and uses more variety. Cakes, breads, pies, muffins and you can even shred your cooked chicken in your mixer. I can leave it mixing and work on another part of dinner while it’s kneading my bread.

Freezer Meals

Mega Cooking is my all time favorite for freezer cooking.

Both of these cookbooks not only have the main dishes but sides, desserts, and sauces. I use them all the time. Not Your Mother’s Freezer Book also has meal plans done for you.

Imersion Blender

I use my Immersion Blender to use in a hurry or for small jobs in the kitchen. But my favorite way to use this is in pureeing soups. I puree part of the vegetables to thicken the soup instead of using a thickener. More veggies in for healthier eating.

Vitamix

I have had a Vitamix for over 20 years. They make quick healthy smoothies, pulverizing the ice so it’s just nice and creamy. Fruit ice cream, soups, sauces, mayo just to name a few of the many dishes that can be made in your Vitamix.

What are your favorite products for getting meals on the table?

Please follow and like us:

Cooking in a Really Small Kitchen

1 Comment / Home, Meals, Organization / By
I learned so many tips cooking in our small camper kitchen!

We have moved and are living in a  camper this summer. Our camper has a very small kitchen with teeny tiny counters. So while  I love to cook I have had to get very creative. My instant pot has become my best friend. Both because it takes the place of many different appliances in the kitchen and because it is cooler cooking with it in the kitchen.


So here are some tips on cooking in a really small kitchen.


Eliminate unnecessary items in the kitchen

Make sure everything that is in your kitchen you’ll actually use. A lot. I have packed many of the items I only use on occasion like cake decorating supplies and specialty pans. I packed most of my bigger pans and duplicates away too. I also only kept out about half of my utensils. I just have to wash dishes more. But since we don’t have a dishwasher, that way I have to keep up with it too

. Make what is in your kitchen do double duty.

As I said my Instant Pot is my best friend in the kitchen. I have made roasts in it; taco meat, custards, cakes, potatoes, eggs, breakfast casseroles, and so many more things. Just search for IP recipe of whatever you are looking for. You can find either a Youtube video or recipe for just about anything you want to make. My daughter wants to try steamed bread next week.

Keep Up with the Cleaning

Make sure you keep up with the dishes. When you only have two feet of counter space you don’t want it covered up with dirty dishes. Keep the dishes washed after every meal. I know it’s something that I should have always done but it hasn’t always been. But when there’s not a dishwasher and you have to look at them you’ll be glad for empty sinks and counters. I’m hoping this habit will carry over to our new house.


Watch How Much You Buy

The hardest thing for me cooking in a small kitchen is not actually in the kitchen. It’s in the grocery store. I have to watch how much I buy. I used to love stocking up on great bargains. But it’s not a great bargain if you have no room for it or end up throwing it out. And that’s no matter what size your kitchen is.


Simpler Cooking

While I love to cook, camper life is not always conducive to gourmet or even large recipes. I’ve learned to cook pizza on the grill. I didn’t want to turn on the oven when it’s 90 degrees. We make a lot of grilled meats for easy cooking. I make a lot of 1 pot meals either in the Instant Pot or on the stove. We try not to turn on the oven.  I still want to eat healthy though so it’s not all sandwiches and s’mores. If it’s not a one-pot meal it’s usually a grilled meat and vegetable and maybe rice or potatoes for the children. I try to keep fruits and vegetables on hand for snacks.

Be Thankful for the Kitchen You Have

While I know my kitchen is temporary, I know many of you have permanent tiny kitchens. My daughter, when she moved into her apartment felt ready to cry when she saw her kitchen. It’s very small. But she is efficient and makes the most of what space she has. She even puts meals up in her freezer each month. She uses a seal a meal to make as much as possible fit in her freezer at a time. She uses her kitchen very efficiently.

So, what tips do you have for cooking in a really small kitchen?

Please follow and like us:

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
PINTEREST