Spring!

Matilda Jane spring collection “Good Hart” opens tomorrow! My friend Amy and I are doing a release show but it will only be open one day, so if you would like to place an order let me know asap. Comment here or send me a note at Moriah@pleasepassthesalt.net and I can get you ordering info. :)

some things I’ve been loving (and not so loving)

We took the kids to Six Flags White Water last weekend in Atlanta and it was whirlwind fun.  I blinked and we were back home.  I had forgotten that Drew tends to be afraid of rides and he chickened out at the last second on this one with Andy and Josiah. Madeline rode with them, she was all over that.

Liz and I took the kids later, same ride, and I grabbed his wrist and off we went before he even knew what was happening or could back out.  He did great and LOVED it.  I think it was a breakthrough moment; he realized he survived and it was big time fun. After that he went on all the slides and was completely fine. Way to face your fears, Drew!

And also – FUNNEL CAKE.

So now we’re home, back to preparing to move. I made some serious headway in the attic a couple of days ago and took a van-load to the drop off donation box. The weather has been GORGEOUS so the attic actually isn’t overbaked and too hot to be in – HUGE BLESSING. Still miles and miles to go in there.

Okay, a coupla things I’ve been meaning to share. My cousin Vangie loaned me this book, which I enjoyed so much: The Sisters: Saga of the Mitford Family. (History majors unite!) It’s a load of pages but kept me company for a good long while.

Next, Meredith blogged about her “miracle cream” a while back and I’m really thankful I decided to try it at this point in my life. I thought when I weaned Ethan I would feel great and that was SO the opposite. How I felt changed over the course of the month so I thought it most likely had something to do with the female cycle. This cream is seriously amazing. Love it, recommend it to every woman. Seriously. Read her full post here.

**********

Okay, the above was written earlier this week. And then my laptop died. It’s currently getting a new hard drive at the mac store hospital. I’m using Andy’s and his settings are different and driving me crazy. Not loving being without my computer for several days straight. I’m also not gonna love the bill.

Our appraisal is tomorrow so one more frenzied cleaning run and it’s over. We’ve had repair men here all week and isn’t it funny how you get your house perfect and then leave it? Whatever, bring on the new. You know, in fifty million years when the new house is ready. ;)

The Penniless Princess & a Giveaway

My kids haven’t had a whole lot of experience with Veggie Tales other than various church nurseries and rainy days at preschool. Big Idea Studios sent us a copy of the new dvd The Penniless Princess, (based on The Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett) to review and an extra copy to give to a reader!

We’ve always loved that story and the kids love anything animated, so it was a win-win situation. They’ve already watched it enough times to know the theme song by heart, so clearly they enjoyed it. It’s a cute little video. The devotion book that was sent along with the dvd is wonderful; the girls have already asked me to read it to them several times.

The Penniless Princess is set to be released on August 14. Win a copy of the dvd simply by leaving a comment on this post, tell me something special about your daughter or grandaughter or other little girl in your life. I will leave the comments open for a couple of days and use a random number generator to choose the winner. US and Canada only, please.

Our too-small house (you cheer us on?)

I know I’ve mentioned it a few times before, that our house is teeny tiny. Like, we outgrew it 2 kids ago. I do love our yard, and our location. And I like that we can get it clean in about 45 minutes. And our payments are cheap. But it’s still too small. And, being honest, sorta shabby. I prolly won’t invite you over because both of us are a little embarrassed of it – which is pride, I admit, but we still don’t host much anymore. But that’s neither here nor there because, it is what it is and not changing this week.

The point of this post is this. We are committed to Christian school for our kids, and there are FIVE of them. Our goal is to pay this house off very quickly, save for a larger one, and rent this one out – that rental income funding their education. At the rate Andy is going, we can probably do that in 3ish years, maybe 4.

We KNOW it will be hard. We’re cramped as it is; I’m guessing it will be worse in four years. (Although, I do love having my kids close while they are little.) The thing is, though, if we stick it out and do it this way, we know it will also pay off in the end. It will be more than worth the pain now.

And that’s where our friends and family come in – to stick by us when we want to give up, when we’re tired and frustrated and feeling claustrophobic. To cheer us on because you know our goals and can remind us that yes, it will be worth it.

our matilda jane show is open!

I’m home from church because I still can hardly walk… hoping to get straightened out at the chiropractor’s tomorrow morning. ANYWAY – the photos are up on the site so now is a good time to fill up your wishlist and send it in.

A couple of things – NO, you do not have to attend the in-home show tomorrow to place an order. All you need to do is go to the MJC website and click on the items you want, add them in whatever size(s) you want to your wishlist, and then when you’re done there are fields on the left to enter in your info and send it to bethanih@matildajaneclothing.com and me (moriah@pleasepassthesalt.net).

In the notes box, put your address and payment information (or “call for payment information”) and then down in the Jane/show box make sure you put Moriah & Amy so it gets where it needs to. You can comment on this post or email me if you have any questions or need sizing help.

HELLO SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!

you’re invited

I’ve loved clothes as long as I can remember.  If you know my mom and grandma, you know I come by it honestly. :)  And if you’ve read this blog any length of time you know I also love particular brands for my kids, and one of them happens to be Matilda Jane.  I often spend my Christmas and birthday money on MJC – for me and for the girls.  They are my favorite, hands down. Unique, fun, wash amazingly well and worth every penny.

Believe it or not, I’ve never hosted a trunk show before but, for this final release of Spring 2012 I am co-hosting a show.  If you are local, you are welcome to come see everything in person AND it will also be virtual – anyone can order through our show.  It will be flat $4 trunk shipping to us and Amy and I will ship priority to you for free. You need to email me for tax information. ;)  (It’s good!)

Basically the new pieces will be released on Matilda Jane’s website on April 1st; you will fill up your wishlist on their site and email it to me (moriah@pleasepassthesalt.net) AND my trunk keeper (bethanih@matildajaneclothing.com). Put in the notes section that it’s for Moriah and Amy’s show and how you would like to pay (credit/debit card or paypal).  You can put your phone number if you’d rather Bethani call you for your payment information.

Two Serendipity collections have already been released; you can shop from them as well as the older lines still available on their website. The new stuff just won’t be available for purchase until those photos are up.

Hope to have you shop with us! I will be available for questions or anything you need while the show is open, feel free to shoot me an email.  You will get a confirmation email/receipt once the show closes (most likely on April 3rd).  If you are going to order please do it quickly; the cutest pieces typically sell out within the first few hours.

And even if you don’t have little girls to dress, make sure you check out their women’s line!

reading (and watching!)

Rebecca asked what I’m reading these days, the answer is Peace Like a River by Lief Enger. I’m loving it. It was recommended to me by Danielle and Vangie – I picked up Vangie’s copy when I was at her house a coupla weeks ago.

She also gave me Sisters, which I’m going to read next. And while I’m advertising great stories, if you haven’t been exposed to Downton Abbey YOU ARE MISSING OUT. Drama at it’s FINEST. Andy and I have stayed up laaaaaaaate, watching it over and over again. Both Seasons 1 and 2 are fully available (don’t miss the Christmas special at the end of Season 2).

Christmas Ideas for Kids

Sooo, it’s December! (And yesterday it was July!) I am going to be doing the December Photo Project again this year (one of my favorites) so I’ll be back later with that.

Anyway, I’m about 90% done with the Christmas shopping for the kids, so I thought I’d share a few ideas in case you need a little jump start.

Most of their stocking stuffers and small gifts (and one game to share) are coming from The Land of Nod. We ordered a couple of art sets and a few other things from CP Toys by Constructive Playthings. My mom said our box from US Toy also came but I can’t remember what that order was. (Everything is being shipped to her.)

There’s always the old standby quality toys from Melissa & Doug, although ours are coming discounted via Zulily credits.

The rest (minus their ‘big’ gifts, including all LeapPad accessories are coming from Amazon, can’t beat their prices and free shipping!

Happy shopping for your little ones!

Lifting the burden

Sometimes I wonder if I’ve come to the end of my blogging days.

It used to be so interactive and fun; filling a social need and a fun way to keep up with others in between changing diapers and washing dishes. Commenting was generally higher all around the blogosphere, or at least it was in my experience. Now it usually feels as if I’m staring at a white, sterile, cinderblock wall, trying to think of something to say. (Which is rather boring, no?)

Right. I’m bored with my own blog. And so, so tired.

I know I can’t just quit, cold turkey. I’m sure the grandmothers would stage a resistance and besides, my hosting fees are already paid for two months.

And where else would I share this pudgy face?

(“Singing” in her sweet baby voice.)

I really don’t have a plan. In a lot of ways I feel like the goal is just to survive until this baby is out. Most likely I’ll just continue posting heavy on the photo side but… I guess I needed to tell you I’m taking the pressure off.

take a peek?

My All Things Chic post today: Carousel Designs – Outfitting Your Nursery. You know you want to.

{flower pin giveaway}

I’ve been having fun making these wool felt flower pins, cutting the petals out while I sit with Drew and his homework.  The original tutorial is here but I changed it a little.  (My new favorite blog, by the way.)

And since I’ve gone a leeetle bit overboard, I thought it would be fun to give a few of them away. (Since I don’t personally need six cream flower pins.)

To be entered, simply leave a comment on this post. (Just tell me something interesting, because “pick me” entries are just plain boring. Or tell me what you’re doing this weekend.) I’ll leave it open for a couple of days and choose two random winners Monday. They’ll receive two flower pins in the colors of their choice (but it has to be something I already have – cream, mustard, cranberry, and hot pink).

Happy Friday!

the go-to muffins

My mom made a lot of from-scratch goodies when I was growing up, but she must not have been a big fan of the muffin because the only ones I remember were blueberry, from a box.

I, on the other hand, always seem to have spotty bananas around, which no one will eat. And I find banana bread + kids = too many crumbs. They can handle muffins, though. So we make these all the time and are a huge hit with my kids. (And us parents too, quite frankly.)

Banana Walnut Muffins
(adapted from the recipe in the red & white check BH&G cookbook)

1 3/4 cups flour (I usually use some combination of organic and/or whole wheat pastry)
2/3 cup organic sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (sometimes I use a teeny bit more)
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup organic whole milk (actually, I usually end up splashing a little extra in if the batter seems dry when I go to mix)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted down
3 small/medium spotty bananas
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
(1 tbs milled flax, optional)

Mix all the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Smash up the bananas (I think it’s easiest to do on a plate with a fork). Add in bananas and all the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well.

Line muffin tin with foil muffin cups and I usually lightly spray with oil. (Paper liners really stick badly to banana muffins for some reason.) Spoon batter into the cups, about 2/3 full. 400 degree oven for 20-22 minutes. It usually makes 14 for us.

Serve warm with BUTTER. :)

pizza, homemade perfection

I hadn’t made homemade pizza in a long while, but we decided to make some a couple of weekends ago. I got the sauce recipe from my cousin Vangie – it’s a lot more like the sauce you find in Italy than American pizza sauce. It’s just a large can of whole peeled tomatos, drained, chopped right into the pan and sauteed in olive oil. That’s it! (I use my pampered chef chopper, handy tool that it is.) So, so good.

Andy requested it again this past weekend and that time we were sure we had some fresh basil on hand. Yuuuuuuuuum.

lunch!

We had chicken soft tacos one day last week. I finely shred the cooked chicken in my food processor and mix in either fresh salsa or taco seasonings. Also, whipping in pureed (drained) fresh spinach is a MUST.

Anyway, the next day we had the leftovers on a huge plate of nachos. I mixed the chicken into leftover refried beans, and topped with more fresh salsa and a plop of sour cream.

Yum.

hey there

It’s funny, I haven’t blogged because I have this little project I keep meaning to get to (and never do) and was thinking I’d share it next. Well, clearly that hasn’t happened so here we are.

The kids started back at school today. We are a little rusty on the early morning thing. Andy had his final interview yesterday (went very well) and if he gets this job with normal hours we’re going to have to finally adjust to getting up earlyish just like everybody else. Internal clocks are hard to re-set.

I suppose it doesn’t help that I stayed up and read

this book start to finish. It’s such a happy, encouraging, wise book. Highly, highly recommend. I even have a copy you can borrow.

Oooh tonight I’m meeting girlfriends at Panera. Which is just nice to have at the back of one’s mind all day, you know?

by the way (DPP)

If you’re interested in seeing other December project photos, they are grouped together on the Flickr group page – check it out! Some really artistic people on there! (Click on thumbnails to enlarge.)

(soup)

Okay, since a million people have asked. Gretchen’s text said: 32 oz frozen hashbrowns (she uses more; I used that and then the 4 leftover potatoes from Thanksgiving) and 1 1/2 cup chopped onion – simmer in 2 cans chicken broth for 30 minutes. (I actually used chicken stock instead.) After that, add in 2 cans cream of celery soup, 2 cans cream of chicken soup, and 4 cups milk and pretty much when it’s hot, the soup is ready. I also added some salt. You can top with crumbled bacon and grated cheddar like we did and serve with hot crusty bread.

(I would prefer not to use the condensed soups. Sub ideas? Brite?)

You need this recipe

I was reminded about this breakfast dish a couple of months ago when I visited Dolly. She whipped it up Friday night for our Saturday morning together and I had forgotten how good/easy/convenient it is. (It’s from the cookbook of one of our old churches so some of you may already have it.)

Since then I’ve made it several Saturday evenings for Sunday morning breakfast. Which as we all know, Sunday mornings need all the help they can get.

Sausage Breakfast Bake

Grease or spray the bottom of a baking dish.  Tear bits of bread and toss ‘em in.  Our favorite is whole wheat French bread. (Not pictured; this is just sandwich bread, not as good.):

Brown a package of sausage:

Pour drained meat over bread in dish:

Top with grated cheese:

Mix 6 eggs, 2 cups milk, and 1 tsp prepared mustard and pour slowly over top of cheese.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight:

Bake at 350 covered for 45 minutes and uncovered 15 minutes.  Just make sure you set the alarm in time. ;)

And then be thankful you have breakfast all ready and leftovers for at least the next day!