A Waffle of a Failure

I was making waffles.  Sue Gregg waffles.  Oh so good.

Previously I had followed the recipe and they turned out GREAT.

As a result, I made a bulk batch of the grain mixture – ever so proud of myself and my pre-planning.

I suppose it helps to continue to follow

ALL. OF. THE. DIRECTIONS.

But I opted not to. 

I started out making waffles, like I previously said.

However, remember . . . I didn’t follow the directions. 

I wanted to use what I had in the fridge . . . like egg whites.  4 of them.

Yup.

The waffle iron was not pleased with my change of plans.

So, I thought the batter was still thicker than pancake batter . . . my perfect grain concoction would make splendid pancakes.

Wrong again.

Determined not to be defeated, I dumped the entire contents of my Vitamix into the skillet and came up with mashed waffles.

The boys weren’t so convinced. 

Neither was I. 

Moral of the story:  follow the directions.

My Daybook (7)

FOR TODAY:  Thursday, January 6, 2011
Outside my window...  it is snowing.  I love how snowflakes flutter down like a feather. 

I am thinking... that it is amazing that I actually have had an hour to sit and do whatever I wanted to.  For the most part, everyone has taken a rest time this afternoon.  Ahh . . . it makes me feel at peace to have some quiet.  

I am thankful for...  Melanie who sent me YUMMY chocolates!  I have limited myself to one a day since I am participating in my own B.E.E. 90x Challenge.

IMPORTANT AMMENDMENT regarding the B.E.E. 90x Challenge in my life:  I set a completely unrealistic goal for myself.  I am only going to serve as a Mentor for the Bible in 90 Days, not read the 12 pages a day.  I ended up in tears feeling utterly defeated the first day . . . as I collapsed into bed at 11:30 PM. 

Plus, the Hottie ever so sweetly asked me to read through the Bible Chronologically with him this year.  I couldn’t resist his sweet smile and batting eyes. 

(They are looking at Asher’s Christmas present, the Action Bible.) 

Back to Melanie . . . she is a constant source of encouragement to me AND the voice of reason often.  Sometimes instead of leaving me visible comments for you all to see . . . she writes me precious emails full of wisdom and practicality.  I need that.  I am too much of a visionary and dreamer.

From the learning rooms... Sigh.  Life is full of learning.  We are doing the bare minimum right now.  Using some gift cards that I received for Christmas, I had a date with Target.  We need more organization for me to function in the cold school room.  Did I say cold?  Ahem.  Hottie.  Ahem. 

From the kitchen...  I’m making lamb tonight!  And I may even try some beats.  Our meals have gotten easier and harder at the same time.  I have been receiving the Nourished Kitchen meal plans and it has helped me to think ahead. 

I am creating... milk.

I am going... to organize the schoolroom and set up an ancient computer for the boys.

I am reading…  The Bible, The Year of Living Biblically, Creative Correction

I am hoping... that Naomi’s adjustment will help her sleep and relax.  I am also praying that the Cranial Sacral therapy Gabe received and will receive will alleviate the discomfort he feels in his face from his fall.  

I am hearing... trucks in the highway and little boys playing in the basement.

Around the house...  I need a maid.  But I did actually clean my bathroom with my new E-Cloth yesterday.

One of my favorite things... my new espresso machine.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  take care of my kids, lower my expectations, implement Tell Your Time, creatively find a way to bless my husband, write some reviews, hang Naomi’s clothes, and exercise.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Is that not the largest marshmallow you have ever seen?

Purely Products Healthy Night Light: A Review and Giveaway

An air purifier would be nice. 

However, I will settle for a Healthy Night Light in every room.  It really is a good fit for our family.

More affordable ($29.95 for two or $19.95 for one).  Dual purpose (cleaning and illuminating).  Small.  Easy to use.  Long lasting.  Attractive, but not attractive enough for little hands to be enticed by it. 

Our light is currently illuminating and and cleaning Naomi’s room. 

We already have another Purely Products item:  the Pocket Purifier.   It is quite a nifty product.  But what I like EVEN more than the Pocket Purifier are the people BEHIND this product.  You see, our original Pocket Purifier broke.  This bothered them . . . bothered Patti.  So she sent me a new one.  AND . . . get this – she sent me a pink one all because I asked.  Talk about customer service. 

To top it all off.  Patti was willing to dialog with me regarding the effectiveness and scientific proof behind their product.  She sent me a study about the “science” behind how UV light kills DNA.  Now that is customer service.  (Did I already say that?)

But I digress.

How does the Healthy Night Light work?  According to the Purely Products website,

The built-in ionizer cleans the air by generating negative ions that attract positively charged airborne allergens (such as pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke & pet dander) and removes them from the air. Negative ions have been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the blood, delivering more oxygen flow to the brain and promoting an overall feeling of well-being.

Some other perks regarding the Healthy Night Light?

• Cleans the air 24/7 even when the light is off
• Great for the nursery & children’s bedrooms
• Great for senior citizens’ living spaces
• Also perfect for hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, garages –anywhere low-level light at night is needed
• Automatic on-off light. Cool to the touch
• Offers more safety for moving around at night in the home for all ages
• Effective in a room up to 12’ x 12’
• Long life LED 35,000 hours
• 1-Watt Very low energy consumption. Pennies per year to operate
• Available in cream, pink or blue
• 100% Happy 2 Year Warranty - unconditionally guaranteed for 2 Years

What do I honestly think? 

Truthfully, I think I will probably purchase two or three more.  I like the company, the ample and soft illumination, the principle behind the product, and the potential for even better health and well-being as a result of using the Healthy Night Light. 

Now you have the opportunity to win this nifty product for YOUR home! 

Win one.  Right here.

How to Enter

When you leave a comment, make sure you are signed into DISQUE or you LEAVE your email address.  I have had so many people NEVER email me back . . . and lost their prize. 

Mandatory:  Where would you put your Healthy Night Light?

Optional Entries (meaning write a new and separate comment for each)

1. Become a fan of my blog (look over on the right sidebar) and tell me that you are or already were. 
2. Subscribe to the Granola Mom 4 God Feedburner – meaning you will get me in your in-box! 
3. Follow Purely Products on Twitter.
4. Become a fan of Purely Products on Facebook and let me know.
5. Check out my Recipe page and tell me what you would like to make.  I’m adding recipes to the list daily!
6. Add my blog button to your blog.
7. Tweet about this giveaway. 

Giveaway Ends:  January 20, 2010 Midnight.

US and Canada residents only!

I use www.random.org to pick the winner . . . and you aren't friends with Mr. Random.  No one is. So enter to win ON MY BLOG NOT through a FACEBOOK COMMENT.)

P.S. I was sent this product to review as part of my affiliation with MamaBuzz.  I was not paid for this post, nor do I have to return the product.

Wordless Wednesday: Communion

I was asked to prepare communion for my SIL’s wedding.  So I said, “Self, how can I make this unique.  Something that would really honor Jesus and bless the happy couple?”

And I answered, “He would probably like some kombucha paired with homemade pita bread.  After all, kombucha is fermented.  Since I don’t drink and they don’t drink . . . kombucha sounds like a perfect fit.  And pita bread . . . well, thanks to Emily, I’ve got a real middle eastern recipe.”

The B.E.E. 90x Challenge

I have received NUMEROUS blog posts in my inbox regarding New Year’s resolutions or lack thereof . . .

and emails regarding

goals that just “happened” due to being prompted by the beginning of a New Year. 

I don’t want to bombard you with more thoughts on the New Year. 

But I’m going to.

(And yes, this old bat actually stayed up.) 

I didn’t get to see the ball drop in Times Square. 

(Not that I am bitter.) I have ONLY seen the ball drop EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. as long as a I can remember.  SOME PEOPLE neglected to inform us that it was midnight.  We were playing the Wii . . .  and a certain someone (who shall remain nameless but I am sure you can guess who it was because I am married to him) was resisting seeing a certain Dick Clark with lots of makeup on. 

I couldn’t look at my watch.  I was driving my racecar.  The nameless man was the ONLY one not playing.  He had been counting down the minutes until midnight with his fancy schmanshy (my new word) atomic, digital, and battery-less watch.  HE KNEW THE TIME.

While I deal with my “issues,” here are some suggestions for the new year . . . but certainly not resolutions . . . and this list isn’t setting you up for failure but offering an opportunity for growth.

1. B for Bible. Join me in reading the Bible in 90 Days (begins January 3rd – over 700 people are signed up so far!)
2. E for eating. Consider the Eat Fat Lose Fat challenge (starts January 5th)
3. E for exercising. Practice the moves of Dr. Jiggle (Veggietale character, in case you were wondering)and spring into action by exercising over the next 90 days.  To help me accomplish this massive movement of my postpartum body, I am using

• Biggest Loser Yoga (though I am hoping to obtain a Wholy Fit DVD)
• rebounder
• Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home 
• Jillian’s 30 Day Shred
• P90x (which I blogged about last year)

Choose all three options and grab my button for your blog!  (I hope it works!  This is the first time I have made a button!)

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