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relpostimgcuplik({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-06-27T07:04:14.324-07:00"},"category":[{"term":"Health"},{"term":"Recipes"},{"term":"DIY"},{"term":"Gluten Free"},{"term":"Dairy Free"},{"term":"Raw"},{"term":"Urban Farming"},{"term":"Parenting"},{"term":"Paleo"},{"term":"Remedies"},{"term":"Treats"},{"term":"Holiday"},{"term":"Preservation"},{"term":"Cleaning Products"},{"term":"Fermented"},{"term":"Unschooling"},{"term":"Foraging"},{"term":"Crafts"},{"term":"Pressure Cooking"},{"term":"Keto"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A Life Unprocessed"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Living very well on very little."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/-\/Parenting?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=50"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/Parenting"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"38"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"50"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-728398092006928504"},"published":{"$t":"2020-03-27T15:02:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-29T14:07:27.503-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The Quarantine Edition"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Living just outside Seattle, Washington, our community buckled down early due to the novel Coronavirus. We've now been homebound for several weeks. While others around us were lining up early outside stores to buy all the hand sanitizer and toilet paper, we found our own rhythm at home, relearning ways of using less and still buying nothing. (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EClick here to read more about our decision to buy nothing for one year\u003C\/a\u003E.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EGroceries\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EHow are we getting by without going to the store? I wrote an article years ago, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou Don't Have to go to the Store\u003C\/a\u003E, during a time when we also didn't go grocery shopping at all. In it I describe how we got by without needing to shop. Some things have changed since I wrote the article; most notably we don't have a farm\/garden anymore, so buying fresh veggies is a must. We now have a weekly produce delivery service, Freggies, which delivers a good variety of high quality fresh fruits \u0026amp; veggies. We also have our weekly dairy \u0026amp; egg delivery, using Smith Brothers local dairy delivery service. If you live in their delivery area, here is a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.smithbrothersfarms.com\/Referred?dc=FRIEND\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ereferral code, which will save you $20 off your first order.\u003C\/a\u003E Wherever you live, it's worth looking into your local farmer or producer delivery options. Many businesses that didn't use to deliver are now providing that option, as a means of staying in business during the quarantine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are also making use of our own food storage, taking stock of our freezer and pantry, and making the best use of the items we've been stocking away. As my son said this morning over canned peaches on our pancakes, you know it's the apocalypse when we start eating canned food. I maintain a food inventory spreadsheet, with different tabs for freezer, fridge, cabinets, and pantry, where I itemize our foods on hand. It's great for meal planning. I normally check it before going shopping, to make sure I don't overbuy something I already have in the pantry or freezer. I try to update it after getting groceries, or when I use something up. It's a good reminder of how much we already (or still) have. As the weeks go by, our diet is getting different from the usual (we are out of meat, for example) but because of my spreadsheet I know we won't go hungry anytime soon.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EMeals\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003ESeparate from groceries but along the same lines, I'm preparing all our meals from scratch, using items from our freezer, pantry, and produce delivery. Like you I'm sure, I've been reading a ton about how coronavirus is transmitted, and what activities are safe. Lots of people are ordering from local restaurants, which is a wonderful way of supporting struggling businesses right now. However, every time you bring something into your home that someone else touched or potentially sneezed or coughed on, you have to disinfect it or risk spreading the virus. I just don't think I'm ready to enjoy a meal that comes with that kind of potential. Maybe after a few more weeks, when I'm desperate to eat something other than lentils, we'll re-explore that idea... For now, I'm having fun being creative with what we already have. Make it a game: What can we make today that the kids won't hate?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EToilet Paper\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm not sure there has ever been such a storm on toilet paper. At least in our area, every store that carries TP has had lines outside before they open, and is sold out very soon after the mobs enter. Stores are now setting limits on how much toilet paper each customer can buy, and they are still selling out every day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI normally buy toilet paper at Costco, and one of their giant packs lasts us a good part of the year. However, since we are all home constantly now, I knew we'd be going through it about twice as fast as usual, so I've taken measures to reduce use: I have switched back to using cloth for pee. I keep a wash cloth on the back of each toilet, and refold as necessary before tossing it in the laundry. As the only lady in the house, and one who drinks a lot of tea, this measure is likely to vastly reduce our family's TP use. You can also use smaller cloths, and toss them into a small bucket or bin after each use, for later washing. We did this for years, back when my kids were in cloth diapers, and just washed the wipes along with the diapers. I made them out of small squares of old flannel baby blankets, hand stitched around the edges to prevent fraying. Pee cloths can be thrown right in with the normal laundry.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI may yet have to venture out to a store to get more toilet paper, depending on how long this quarantine lasts, but for now I'm happy to avoid the additional risk of an airborne virus. With online toilet paper costing as much as $2 per roll, I'd also like to avoid getting price-gauged if possible.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESanitizer\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUse soap instead. Soap kills viruses effectively. We wash hands every time we come home from anywhere that we have touched anything others might have touched. I keep lotion at every sink and in my purse, so it's easy to apply after every hand washing. It's important to keep your skin from drying out and cracking, a common affliction during the arid winter months but especially now with all the increased washing. Dry, cracked skin is open to infection and feels yucky besides.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you still need hand sanitizer, you can make your own using alcohol and aloe vera gel. \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prepare\/cleaning-disinfection.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe CDC recommends a 70% alcohol solution\u003C\/a\u003E. When we were still coming and going from our house daily, we would wipe down our phones and keys each time we came home with alcohol wipes. You can simply apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth to make your own wipes, but this would be harmful to bare skin if you do it frequently.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow that we are home nearly constantly, there is much less to worry about sanitizing. On our daily walks, we just don't touch anything except occasionally the mail. I process the mail right after bringing it inside, and then wash my hands. You can of course toss most of it in the outdoor recycle bin instead of bringing it inside at all. And then wash your hands.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EEntertainment\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is a very real need, with so many kids suddenly out of school, and adults out of work. Many people resort to buying stuff out of boredom. It's easy to desire the novelty of new items to fill our time and space, but our family is still committed to a year of buying nothing (as I've said, this doesn't include food \u0026amp; TP). So how are we keeping ourselves sane, fulfilled, and busy during the weeks and potentially months stuck at home?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EI make a list of things for us to do each day. This includes all activities we do as a family, chores each kid needs to do, and meals I plan to make. I also write the day of the week at the top of the list, or else I would have no idea.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDaily family activities include card and board games, walks around the neighborhood, exercise time, reading aloud with my younger son, and asking each other trivia questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHomeschooling, for our kids, includes the above activities, as well as alternating between two hours of online learning (we use Khan Academy) and workbook time, or two hours of video games.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMy older son and his friends have managed to organize online D\u0026amp;D games, as well as other games that can be played via video chat. He does this for two hours at a time, three days a week. It's helped him to feel connected to his peers during this socially isolating time. While he meets with his friends online, my younger son and I often work on an art project together.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENetflix, Hulu, DVDs, etc. Every evening after dinner we've been watching episodes of The Office together, or other funny shows (last night was Netflix's Pandemic, but I personally recommend generally ending the day with something a little more uplifting). I can't bear the idea of \"binge-watching\" anything, so we always limit the amount of episodes to 2-3, depending on length of the episodes. After watching shows, we end screen time and read books until bedtime.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBetween episodes, we always do \"family exercise time\". Using a timer, we take turns choosing an exercise to do for one minute. We do this for two full rounds, then two minutes of stretching, for a total of around 10 minutes. It's quick but challenging, and there's always a nice variety this way.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWellness\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EWe've found a nice balance of spending time together but also giving each other space. It can be easy to get on each other's nerves when cooped up together endlessly. Be patient, keep it light, see the good in people and be forgiving.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI wake up every morning and meditate for a comfortable 15 minutes. A regular practice keeps me from catastrophizing, or making mountains out of molehills. We also meditate as a family every evening before bed, for just 5 minutes. It's just a nice time to sit together, breath and relax. Here is my article on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emeditation basics, the how \u0026amp; why\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGet outside every single day. Don't let a day pass when you have been inside all day, unless you are bedridden. \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/02\/how-i-finally-got-to-sleep-ending.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EI struggled with insomnia for years\u003C\/a\u003E, and one of the keys to better sleep was a long morning walk; daylight, fresh air, and exercise all help to regulate our circadian rhythms. Also, being cooped up can make you feel crazy. Getting outside will remind you that your world is still all there, you have space, and best of all: it's springtime! Enjoy the animals, the birds singing and the squirrels acting crazy, the flowers starting to cover the trees, and animals generally getting bolder as they meet with less human interference.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EKeep your immune system strong by doing the following:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELimit sugar, which has a hazardous effect on immune function.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupplement with vitamins C \u0026amp; D, and Zinc lozenges, which all help prevent respiratory illness.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGet plenty of sleep. Try to turn the lights out at 10, and allow enough time in a darkened room to wake up naturally in the morning.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMove your body daily. The immune system requires muscular movement for optimal circulation of lymphatic fluids. Sitting around all day is not good for anyone.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFind comfort in your people, pets, or your online community. My cat has been such a blessing through this. He is always there for us, always happy to love and be loved, so soft and warm. He doesn't care that the world as we know it may have ended, as long as we still have some kibble.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s1600\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s640\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through these links helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/728398092006928504\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/728398092006928504"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/728398092006928504"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html","title":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The Quarantine Edition"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yqNuXuXJHNw\/Xn5vaRudyxI\/AAAAAAAAlZQ\/RWJAVCDPSGw9RHYEz7MaLRxrvrmJhp3kgCKgBGAsYHg\/s72-c\/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200322175346768_COVER.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-664649224701720096"},"published":{"$t":"2020-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-03-29T08:41:10.557-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"At the very end of December 2019, I made the last minute decision to enact this resolution: to make no purchases for the entire year. Of course, we'll still buy food \u0026amp; toilet paper; we'll still go to the occasional restaurant, and if necessary we'll buy replacement items if something essential breaks. This decision followed on the heels of a string of random purchases I made during November \u0026amp; December, more than my usual. We spent not only money on these items, but time in installing and learning how to use them, moving things around so they had a proper place in the house, and storing associated paperwork and processing the packaging. While I don't regret these purchases, I have seen how dangerously easy it is to get into shopping online sales; one click and something new and exciting is on its way to your door. I feel our family is pretty well taken care of materially and should be fine for some time. I'm excited to see how long we can go without buying anything more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s640\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg\" title=\"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are a family of four (plus this lovely cat) with one full-time earner and myself, a mostly stay at home parent who is just transitioning to working more regular hours. I've been able to be home with my kids their whole lives, an honor I don't take for granted. In addition to raising \u0026amp; educating the kids, being the stay at home parent has also meant that I have more time to make our meals from scratch, as well as finding other ways of being frugal through the years (which you can read about in my previous articles). Many years ago, I started a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBuy Nothing Facebook group\u003C\/a\u003E in our community, and it took off like wildfire. This group, and the others like it that have since sprung up, is an amazing resource for neighbors to gift all kinds of things to each other. I love being able to offer up anything we find we no longer want or need to the group. Anytime I want to buy something, I ask first in my gifting group to see if I can find a similar item that a neighbor no longer has need of.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis resource in no small part enables me to go most of the time without buying anything. Last year, the only clothing items I bought for my kids were two pairs of jeans for my older son who had shot up like a weed, new shoes for my kids \u0026amp; partner, and new slippers for myself. Oh, and for Christmas I bought my partner a sweet new flannel shirt. For all our other clothes, our needs were more than met by the offerings in our neighborhood groups. In addition, because I personally love clothes and getting together with friends, twice a year for the past 5 years I have \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehosted trading parties\u003C\/a\u003E, where everyone can bring their nicer castoff clothes to give away and come home with bags of new things to try for free.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here we are nearing the end of the first month, and while my hasty resolution has presented no real hardship, there have been a few challenges. For example, I have a Christmas cactus that has been in a horribly ugly plastic pot ever since two naughty kittens knocked it off a windowsill and it's original beautiful ceramic pot broke. I've looked for a replacement pot for years on my Buy Nothing group, and even at yard sales, but they never seem to be big enough. Suddenly, a few days into the new year, I felt I *must* get a real pot for my otherwise lovely plant. I think the constraint of not allowing myself to buy something made this desire for a replacement pot feel suddenly urgent. However, I just reminded myself that, as it's been doing fine in its plastic pot for so long, it can surely go another year without any horrible repercussions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother challenge was not buying my cat a scratching post. He transitioned to an indoor-only cat a year or so ago, and since then has found lots of places around the house to scratch up, some approved by us (doormats) and some we would much rather him not (the nice wool carpet and the door frames). He doesn't have a real scratching post, and it occurred to me recently, after seeing an ad for a cute cactus shaped cat tree\/scratching post, that this would be just the thing. I went so far as to click on the ad, and ever since then my Facebook feed has been inundated with ads for cat-related items. Of course, as all pet parents must, I want the best for my kitty so if something would be good for him or useful, I can often justify the expense. Fortunately my partner is very practical and reasonable, and by running purchases by him I have often saved myself the regret of being stuck with an unhappy selection. Also, we visited his family earlier this month and they told me how easy it is to make your own scratching post, with some twine and wood. I have not pursued this, but knowing I can make something myself is often enough for me to not want to buy it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI look forward to future challenges. I'm sure I'll be faced with more difficult decisions than those that have presented themselves to date. Perhaps my son will grow another two inches and we won't be able to find any decent pants for him from our gifting groups. Perhaps something that seems quite essential will break and we'll have to decide how necessary its replacement is. I'll try to keep track of these challenges as they come up, and document here how I deal with them. In future posts I'll also speak to how this resolution affects us as a family, whether it becomes a hardship at all or if we notice positive effects beyond the obvious of saving money, reducing clutter, and reducing waste.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpdate: Click here for my article on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/03\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-quarantine.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebuying nothing through the Coronavirus quarantine\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe buy many of our bulk foods from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/664649224701720096\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/664649224701720096"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2020\/01\/our-year-of-buying-nothing-first-month.html","title":"Our Year of Buying Nothing: The First Month"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dpl4yMzDLSA\/Xi2tkxlIXtI\/AAAAAAAAkjE\/qBxNB15vGMkOlwF-vzM8c2b_7ghGcRCwgCEwYBhgL\/s72-c\/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20191204125823394_COVER.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3535102720144960658"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T05:00:15.573-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Teach Kids Currency \u0026 Math Skills With The Money Game"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xJBgElXc3Dk\/Wla27qQWKyI\/AAAAAAAAXkE\/ewuOeT1VlkUZn3d1ssWGfdGNcGTh-QScACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180110_094346.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xJBgElXc3Dk\/Wla27qQWKyI\/AAAAAAAAXkE\/ewuOeT1VlkUZn3d1ssWGfdGNcGTh-QScACKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180110_094346.jpg\" title=\"Teach Kids Currency \u0026amp; Math Skills With The Money Game\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is a great way for younger kids to practice addition and quickly learn the value of currency, while older kids can hone their multiplication skills. This is fun, and it's easy to modify the game lots of different ways in order to make it interesting for kids at any level. I think the fact that it uses real money makes it appealing for most kids, even ones who have an aversion to math.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere is the basic instructions, and what you need to play.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESupplies:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECoins, as many denominations as you can find. This is a great use for fifty cent pieces and Susan B. Anthony dollars, but pennies, nickles, dimes, and quarters are all you really need.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAt least two dice. Normal six-sided dice to start, and if you want to make the game more challenging, add more dice and dice with more sides, all the way up to twenty-sided. These can be found at game stores \u0026amp; online.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bBr7etoq2Vk\/Wla3jFi-dEI\/AAAAAAAAXkM\/qowNhOvnMVkWSBLPZUZ8Fb0QYSLVQP33ACKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180110_103014.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bBr7etoq2Vk\/Wla3jFi-dEI\/AAAAAAAAXkM\/qowNhOvnMVkWSBLPZUZ8Fb0QYSLVQP33ACKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180110_103014.jpg\" title=\"Teach Kids Currency \u0026amp; Math Skills With The Money Game\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EInstructions:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERoll the dice. Add up the dice and take that much money. If a 3 and a 4 are rolled, you would take 7 cents, or a nickel and two pennies. Once your child has several pennies, you can show them how to exchange five pennies for a nickel, or five nickels for a quarter, etc. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf two dice gets too easy, try using three dice. When addition gets too easy, roll two dice and multiply them. When that gets easy, roll three dice and multiply those. The more sides the dice have, the harder this will be. Even older kids may find it challenging and fun to use two twenty sided dice here.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe keep an assortment of change in a small wooden cigar box, along with a handful of dice. I have two kids at very different math levels, and they both find this game pretty fun and entertaining. We play until our box is empty of money, but you could also play to a certain dollar amount.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oM8ziZiBgMU\/Wla3C9P2L6I\/AAAAAAAAXkI\/ZMm5s2YnGAMy2UiJnlhGmDtHcgc_dZEugCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180110_094416.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oM8ziZiBgMU\/Wla3C9P2L6I\/AAAAAAAAXkI\/ZMm5s2YnGAMy2UiJnlhGmDtHcgc_dZEugCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180110_094416.jpg\" title=\"Teach Kids Currency \u0026amp; Math Skills With The Money Game\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat do you think? I would love to hear about other variations you may come up with. Please share your ideas in the comments below.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3535102720144960658\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/teach-kids-currency-math-skills-with.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3535102720144960658"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3535102720144960658"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/teach-kids-currency-math-skills-with.html","title":"Teach Kids Currency \u0026 Math Skills With The Money Game"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xJBgElXc3Dk\/Wla27qQWKyI\/AAAAAAAAXkE\/ewuOeT1VlkUZn3d1ssWGfdGNcGTh-QScACKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180110_094346.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7670059797663481278"},"published":{"$t":"2018-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-17T11:15:59.491-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tracking Your Personal Expenses \u0026amp; Creating A Budget\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s640\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETracking Our Expenses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EFor the new year, my partner and I created a spreadsheet for tracking everything we spend. Our aim is to create more awareness about where our money is going, and spend less than we have been.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EI\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;used to meticulously track my spending years ago, but we've never implemented it together. Instead, we've been using Mint for the past few years, which automatically tracks spending in different categories, but it doesn't do the job very well. Mint can be nice for having a record of expenses, and it does a fair job of categorizing each line item. However, it often loses communication with our various accounts and we have to go through and reconfirm passwords so frequently that it's a bit of a nuisance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMoney Mindfulness\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EBut the biggest issue with Mint, I'm realizing, is the fact that the tracking is automated. While automation sounds handy, taking the work out of tracking your own expenses means you have that much less awareness, and that much less mindfulness, of where your money is going.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EEntering every purchase into the spreadsheet manually really changes how I think about each expenditure. I'm excited about how this awareness will change our habits. I'm already looking for more ways to not buy things! While we are barely into the new year and this new system, we are both looking at spending in a totally different way. It reminds me of how the simple act of keeping a food journal helps people improve their diet. Consciously tracking helps us subconsciously analyse (is that a thing?)\u0026nbsp;our actions, and see if they're a good fit for how we want to be living.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThe Spreadsheet\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003ETo set this up, all you need is a spreadsheet program, which we use through\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/docs\/about\/\" style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EGoogle Docs\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E for free. If you do a search for \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=budget+spreadsheet+images\u0026amp;rlz=1CATAAB_enUS642US642\u0026amp;tbm=isch\u0026amp;tbo=u\u0026amp;source=univ\u0026amp;sa=X\u0026amp;ved=0ahUKEwiB5Yjb477YAhXoqlQKHUOGAlkQsAQIKA\u0026amp;biw=1920\u0026amp;bih=941\" style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003Ebudget spreadsheets\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E, you can get all sorts of ideas for the layout. Of course, you can track your expenses the old fashioned way, with pencil \u0026amp; paper, if that's what you're more comfortable with. However, spreadsheet programs like Excel and Google Sheets have some very handy functions that make calculating totals, averages, and differences a breeze, once you get comfortable with how to enter formulas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0m85csFBNg\/Wk5i2pcorjI\/AAAAAAAAXW8\/xUaSTpGU0Mov551C703cOKSaN7IybKNSgCKgBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_20180104_092114.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1114\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"277\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0m85csFBNg\/Wk5i2pcorjI\/AAAAAAAAXW8\/xUaSTpGU0Mov551C703cOKSaN7IybKNSgCKgBGAs\/s400\/IMG_20180104_092114.jpg\" title=\"A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EOur budget is set up simply with the date in the first column, then the second column has a drop-down menu with different categories such as Mortgage, Food, Entertainment, Purchase, Car, and various utilities. The third column is the actual dollar amount spent, and this column is automatically added together under \"Total\", in the top right corner. The fourth column is a place where we can note a description of the line item, such as what the purchase was or where the income came from. Income will be entered as a negative number, which is counter-intuitive\u0026nbsp;but we decided it would be easier to set it up this way since the majority of the entries will be expenses. So, we're hoping for a negative total at the end of each month, which will show how much we were able to save.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EThe Goal of Savings\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #1d2129; font-family: \u0026quot;helvetica\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003EWith tracking, we can get more satisfaction out of \u003Ci\u003Enot \u003C\/i\u003Espending money, as well as really see where our money is going, rather than just having a vague idea. Once we know exactly how much of our income is going to certain areas, we can decide if that feels right for us, or if we need to rethink how we're spending.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E   "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7670059797663481278\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/tracking-your-personal-expenses-and.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7670059797663481278"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7670059797663481278"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2018\/01\/tracking-your-personal-expenses-and.html","title":"Tracking Your Personal Expenses and Creating a Budget"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CMRF8B3T69Q\/Wk5qgGUwbYI\/AAAAAAAAXYQ\/fsCaYsyMhSYM7e2f73e6fYJ8ZseOU4sWgCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_20180104_095203.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3428541994810006410"},"published":{"$t":"2017-10-08T11:44:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-17T11:17:11.430-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Vci46l3-dQ\/WdpsgzrhltI\/AAAAAAAAU98\/QYLDFO0fw84VlY2p6jclx6elDLTcd6TswCKgBGAs\/s1600\/20171002_145757.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Vci46l3-dQ\/WdpsgzrhltI\/AAAAAAAAU98\/QYLDFO0fw84VlY2p6jclx6elDLTcd6TswCKgBGAs\/s640\/20171002_145757.jpg\" title=\"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is an idea I've been wanting to try all summer. We finally made it to the beach with our egg cartons, and this simple scavenger hunt ended up being a really engaging activity. It went so well that my son immediately asked if we could do it again!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll you need is one empty egg carton for each participant, and a patch of nature where you can safely explore. The goal is to fill each egg compartment with something different. Since we were on the beach where there is always plenty of garbage, I asked my kids to avoid getting a bunch of trash, and just focus on nature.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn the past, we've done nature scavenger hunts where we had a list of different types of things (a seed, a deciduous leaf, a Y-shaped twig, etc) that everybody needs to find, but it was actually more interesting to just see what each of us came up with on our own. Also, this way takes less advance planning!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nTtAH_Vy6xk\/Wdpptw21hdI\/AAAAAAAAU9U\/gExT_R3OOeox-1WkstCjkydGoQIlBnz8gCKgBGAs\/s1600\/20171002_145619.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nTtAH_Vy6xk\/Wdpptw21hdI\/AAAAAAAAU9U\/gExT_R3OOeox-1WkstCjkydGoQIlBnz8gCKgBGAs\/s640\/20171002_145619.jpg\" title=\"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce we each got our egg cartons, and everyone understood what we were meant to do, we all went off exploring to see what we could find. When my youngest eventually called out that he was done, and everyone else agreed, we all reconvened to share what we found.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe sat together and took turns showing each item in our cartons, and explaining why we chose it, what stood out about it or made it interesting to us.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rneH19v4oxQ\/Wdpq0qhM2zI\/AAAAAAAAU9g\/lCqICkjsp-4GLLSMsYkWPULsuZHdBS9lwCKgBGAs\/s1600\/20171002_145613.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rneH19v4oxQ\/Wdpq0qhM2zI\/AAAAAAAAU9g\/lCqICkjsp-4GLLSMsYkWPULsuZHdBS9lwCKgBGAs\/s640\/20171002_145613.jpg\" title=\"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy youngest found pieces of discarded crab shell, what we think are tube worm husks, and lots of feathers, as well as some nut shells.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy older son went for more wet items, with a few types of seaweed, one of which I know to be excellent cuisine, and some mystery material that turned out to be weathered foam insulation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy partner found sea glass, as well as a piece of plastic that made rainbows when the sun shone through it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI found several types of \"wishing rocks\" which showed stripes for each ancient sediment layer, various sizes and life stages of barnacle, and a beautiful wavy piece of wood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K6I0TvYZr1s\/WdpxciS7BtI\/AAAAAAAAU-Y\/Y90HYPOmm2k7bQvJ5BxvAy71v0ASRSF-gCKgBGAs\/s1600\/20171002_145630.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K6I0TvYZr1s\/WdpxciS7BtI\/AAAAAAAAU-Y\/Y90HYPOmm2k7bQvJ5BxvAy71v0ASRSF-gCKgBGAs\/s640\/20171002_145630.jpg\" title=\"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe did end up with some garbage, which we decided to take home and throw away after we were done, leaving the beach a tiny bit nicer than we found it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor me, this was a relaxing way to spend time in nature with my family. It could easily be done in larger groups as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI think it will be interesting to come back and do this again in future weeks, and see how much the things we find change over the seasons. \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3428541994810006410\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/10\/a-nature-scavenger-hunt-for-any-age.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3428541994810006410"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3428541994810006410"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2017\/10\/a-nature-scavenger-hunt-for-any-age.html","title":"A Nature Scavenger Hunt For Any Age"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Vci46l3-dQ\/WdpsgzrhltI\/AAAAAAAAU98\/QYLDFO0fw84VlY2p6jclx6elDLTcd6TswCKgBGAs\/s72-c\/20171002_145757.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2862610193149273233"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:27:05.017-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Real Value of Pokemon Go"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Pokomon Go has many haters; I see it all the time online, and hear about it in remarks from random people I run into. Acquaintances on Facebook are now bonding with each other over their mutual disdain for people who play Pokemon. Some sources say the game is dangerous or will only lead you into traps set by thieves. One Facebook friend of mine said, \"What if if all these Pokemon Go players were doing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Esomething valuable to society\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;with their time, rather than hunting for imaginary monsters?\" To them I say this. The streets are arguably safer when there are lots of people out. An empty park in the evening is often a crime hotspot. A park filled with Pokemon players is filled with witnesses, and people who will naturally deter a criminal just by their presence, or who could help if something did happen. I'm actually curious to see if this game, this phenomenon, has a positive effect on crime statistics as time goes by, now that so many more people are out and about. Our little city certainly feels safer now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EObviously, we must be smart and safe with our gaming. I teach my kids not to stare at the screen when they are walking, and to completely disengage when they are crossing a street or busy parking lot (the phone vibrates when a Pokemon is close, so there is no need to be glued to the screen). We don't go to dangerous places at night, and tend to travel as a group, with our large dog in tow. And, it hardly needs to be said, no playing while operating a vehicle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, to the Pokemon haters: Those people you see walking around with their phones, gathered at parks, out in the world; until a few weeks ago, many of them spent their time slouched in front of a computer, or sunk into a couch in some basement playing console games. Now, they are out in the world, getting exercise, breathing fresh air, interacting with new people; experiencing life, weather, nature. It's really lovely when you think about it that way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1330.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1330.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy kids have always been homeschooled, and in recent years they often prefer to stay home and do indoor things, like read, draw, play Legos, or listen to me read while they work on stuff. We recently adopted a dog, and go on lots of walks with her, but until about two weeks ago, the kids would often request to stay home, rather than go on any walk or outing. I love them, and believe they make good choices and do valuable things with their time, but I do feel like it's my responsibility, as a homeschooling parent, to get my kids out in the world as much as I can.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnter Pokemon Go. Now every day the kids beg me to go on another MILES long walk so that we can catch more Pokemon, and hatch our eggs, and level up. Our dog is getting so much exercise too; she is so happy to be part of the pack on our endless epic walks as a family. We used to watch a movie or read in the evenings, or sometimes play a boardgame. Now, we go explore the city, along with tons of our neighbors.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OxxQZr-SawA\/V5uExGA3UkI\/AAAAAAAALm0\/9o5E-Ws42LcIATfwnHjEpBmUcp4IJSo9QCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_183025.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OxxQZr-SawA\/V5uExGA3UkI\/AAAAAAAALm0\/9o5E-Ws42LcIATfwnHjEpBmUcp4IJSo9QCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_183025.jpg\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EParks are suddenly the place to be, for all kinds of people, since they are hot spots for catching Pokemon. It's wonderful! One of the best things about Pokemon Go is that you are not competing with other players for Pokemon. If you're at a park with 10 other players, everyone can catch the same Pokemon. Parks are often where lures are set, which turn the area into a virtual Pokemon party for 30 minutes, attracting one Pokemon after another. When one player sets a lure, everyone benefits, which is really cool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother great feature of the game is that you MUST walk to hatch the eggs that you find. Some eggs require 2 kilometers, some 5 km, and some require you to walk 10 km before they'll hatch. So, we do a LOT of walking! Another thing I appreciate about Pokemon Go is that there is nothing you have to buy, ever. The app is free to download and it's compatible with most smartphones. There is a \"store\" in the game with optional extras that you can purchase, but it's possible to play every aspect of the game without spending a dime.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2Dcgd7eg3oQ\/V5uGgNRr41I\/AAAAAAAALoo\/zk2FtMJkMRsz4vKII3wDxljFyUi8ma7wgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1332.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2Dcgd7eg3oQ\/V5uGgNRr41I\/AAAAAAAALoo\/zk2FtMJkMRsz4vKII3wDxljFyUi8ma7wgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1332.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy kids want to go on every errand with me now, which means I automatically have help bringing the groceries in from the car! They sit together in the back seat on all our drives, passing my phone back and forth as they take turns catching cute little monsters for our collection. They have also helped their grandma download the app, got her set up with an avatar and taught her to use the balls to catch Pokemon. I'll never forget my technologically challenged mom crying out joyfully, \"I'm good at this! I'm actually good at something!\" Their time with her is now spent at the playground and lake across from her apartment, where she often used to try to get them to go. But now they all three love being there because of the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of the game.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPokemon Go starts easy and gets relatively more challenging as you level up. There are no real instructions so we have learned from people around us, and from online sources (which can be helpful but are often wrong since they're just learning too!) My eleven year old does a lot of online research to discover the best ways to play. My eight year old figured out a feature of the game that none of the rest of us could get, how to set a lure. It has been fantastic being on this journey with them. We all love learning together during this incredibly fun activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TWtfv3tCY4s\/V5uOq2WADTI\/AAAAAAAALpE\/8aYPSNJunkQSc6tdbsdEDVe8oEoz1RZcQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1336.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TWtfv3tCY4s\/V5uOq2WADTI\/AAAAAAAALpE\/8aYPSNJunkQSc6tdbsdEDVe8oEoz1RZcQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1336.JPG\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IziTM4SAkAA\/V5uEb5bB8mI\/AAAAAAAALmw\/HIL0WYvhHHENMXg8kefzE7_ZNgDMceiMACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_183531.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A Life Unprocessed\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IziTM4SAkAA\/V5uEb5bB8mI\/AAAAAAAALmw\/HIL0WYvhHHENMXg8kefzE7_ZNgDMceiMACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_183531.jpg\" title=\"The Real Value of Pokemon Go\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2862610193149273233\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/the-real-value-of-pokemon-go.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2862610193149273233"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2862610193149273233"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/the-real-value-of-pokemon-go.html","title":"The Real Value of Pokemon Go"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1mDmLt7-YHc\/V5uGserr4bI\/AAAAAAAALos\/UZ7cftFl9_YCQWaf9VmIt45nYq-UIe3FgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_1330.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7643919035623402901"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-28T14:43:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T13:27:46.795-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pressure Cooking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Confession: I have only used my stovetop once in the last two weeks. My oven, likewise, only once. It's summer, and no one wants to heat up their kitchen on these hot days. But we have not been eating out, not even once. We haven't been living on cold snack food. I have been cooking each day-- what's more, I have been thrilled to cook each day-- in my Instant Pot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg\" title=\"The Instant Pot : A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Instant Pot is heavily insulated so it stays cool to the touch (except on the metal parts of the lid!) It can cook long and slow, like a crock pot, or intense and fast, using the pressure cooker function. It can also saute, steam, and bake (and even make yogurt if you get the 7-in-1 model). You can use it instead of the microwave to reheat leftovers in a dish on a trivet, while cooking something else in the pot below.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUntil very recently I considered myself to have a bit of a phobia of pressure cookers. The old style stove top pressure cooker is a little frightening, and we've all heard horror stories of them exploding for various reasons. The Instant Pot has many safety features, including a lock on the lid that will not release until the pressure has abated. You could certainly burn yourself on the steam valve when releasing pressure, but it's quite safe to just use a hand towel and push the lever to release, making sure there is a clearance above the pot for the fountain of steam that will issue forth. It can be a bit surprising the first time, but I quickly got the hang of it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBesides not heating up the kitchen, and the ability to cook foods rather more quickly than normal because of the use of high pressure, the Instant Pot saves energy! It plugs in, and since it's highly insulated, all the energy it uses goes right into cooking your food, rather than heating your kitchen. I have read that it uses only 30% of the energy of cooking in a conventional stove or oven. I can get behind that kind of energy savings.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, one incredible advantage for busy families is that the Instant Pot can handle frozen chunks of meat. So if you forgot to take something out of the freezer to thaw for dinner, no worries! Just plop it in with some liquid and look up how long it needs to cook under pressure (based on how large the frozen chunks are) and let it do its thing. I know veggies retain more nutritional value and better textural integrity if cooked from frozen rather than being allowed to thaw first. This might be true for meat as well, though I don't yet have enough experience with it to know.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI think of myself as a pretty good cook, but I think it sometimes kind of takes a love of healthy food to really appreciate my cooking. If you know what I mean. But everyone in my family has professed their LOVE of my Instant Pot, because my cooking is getting really amazing results. And I love it because all I have to do is throw stuff in the pot, push a couple of buttons, and forget about it! It's exciting to see how things turn out, and they are always good. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy son lives for mashed potatoes, and so the first thing I made with the iPot was a batch of very simple, two ingredient mashed potatoes. Just yellow potatoes, skin on, and sea salt (cooked in a bit of water that I mashed right in, no steaming liquid to dump!) They turned out SO good, so tasty and perfect, he declared them my best mashed potatoes ever. And it was easier than ever. What's more, pressure cooking turns the relatively unhealthy potato starches into GOOD for you starches that actually help to lower cholesterol, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.hippressurecooking.com\/pressure-cooker-potato-nutrition\/\"\u003Eaccording to this article\u003C\/a\u003E. So now, not only are they easier, but I feel good about feeding my family mashed potatoes regularly, rather than just as a holiday treat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEverything I have tried cooking in the Instant Pot has been amazing, from masala chicken with kelp noodles to hard boiled eggs that are incredibly easy to peel; from cinnamon apple oatmeal to beef short ribs and stuffed mushrooms. I am loving this thing, and it has certainly paid for itself a couple of times over, since we normally eat at a restaurant about twice a week, and haven't even wanted to since I've been cooking in the Instant Pot. It's thrilling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are places I haven't gone with my iPot. There is a world of baking you can do in them. People profess that it makes killer cheesecakes, banana breads, cinnamon rolls, etc. Things like this bake nicely without drying out as they would in a standard oven, because you bake them on a trivet over a small amount of water. I am looking forward to experimenting with baking in the Instant Pot for sure!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WxXywuGNGhY\/V5p5uiUiqpI\/AAAAAAAALjI\/kNsM3NrUbw8RPNyy3Q3SB5j6MToaNBQEwCKgB\/s1600\/IMG_20160728_142848.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WxXywuGNGhY\/V5p5uiUiqpI\/AAAAAAAALjI\/kNsM3NrUbw8RPNyy3Q3SB5j6MToaNBQEwCKgB\/s640\/IMG_20160728_142848.jpg\" title=\"The Instant Pot : A Life Unprocessed\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe cleanup is generally a breeze, since everything is done in one easy to wash stainless steel liner. There was one thing I made that stuck to the bottom of the pan: spaghetti with meatballs, made from gluten free corn noodles. I have since learned that GF noodles tend to stick more, and the pot should be oiled next time. But how awesome is it that you can make a whole spaghetti dinner in one pot? Just toss in noodles, a small amount of water, sauce, and any meat or veggies. I was using frozen meatballs, but the meat can be sauteed right in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are LOADS of Instant Pot recipes available online, as well as dedicated Instant Pot cookbooks available at the library. You can be sure I will be posting my favorites! I find that once you get the basics, it's very easy to experiment and modify just about any recipe so that it works in the IP. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EPlease check out the following links if you're interested- any purchases made through my link help support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;asins=B002RZRJHI\u0026amp;linkId=UL2YOELARG5IUHAY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;asins=B00BWIX1EQ\u0026amp;linkId=NGSBDXHFYOGAO4U2\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7643919035623402901\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/07\/how-cooking-in-instant-pot-changed.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7643919035623402901"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7643919035623402901"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/07\/how-cooking-in-instant-pot-changed.html","title":"How Cooking in the Instant Pot Changed Everything"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qwMGqnq1K08\/V5p56IUYi0I\/AAAAAAAALjQ\/ZM8dZlkBE2IncSs5TiGjM11iwvxkjFMIACKgB\/s72-c\/IMG_20160728_142742.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8147804023920515907"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-07T13:58:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-06-23T13:23:32.316-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Score a New Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s1600\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s640\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShopping for new clothes is a huge hobby for many people. It can be really fun, thrilling to find deals and treasures; but it can also really hurt later, when you get the credit card bill. Here's a totally fun, and completely free, way to overhaul your wardrobe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are many community gifting groups on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, and live anywhere near other people, there is likely already a local gifting or sharing group that you can join. If not, it's easy to start one and then just invite all your local friends, who will spread the word until you have a lovely, thriving group. Either way, it's a great way to ditch things you're ready to pass on, and acquire new things that you need, beautiful items that you didn't even know existed, and fun or educational stuff for the kids. It's great to be able to hand off something you're done with directly to someone who can use it. This really helps with my tendency to save everything \"just in case I need it later\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhere exactly do all these free clothes come in? Well, things people are giving away are usually posted with a photo, and a brief description. This type of post can be tedious to do when you have a lot of stuff to give away, as people usually do when they clean out their closets. So people tend to offer a whole lot of clothes at once, which then get passed along to everyone who is interested in checking them out. People can try stuff on, keep what they like, add anything of their own that they don't want, and then pass everything along to the next person who wants to look through them. Most of my clothes are acquired this way, for the past few years. And every time I clean out my closet I send along what I won't wear anymore, or what my kids have outgrown, etc, to others in our gifting group.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are various types of these groups, some with different rules, some more active than others. You can do facebook searches to see if there are any in your area, or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here to see if there is a Buy Nothing Project\u003C\/a\u003E already in your area. For more info on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Estarting a Buy Nothing group, click here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ne-nuRSPO9s\/Vt34B8HXapI\/AAAAAAAAJO4\/_7Y7xalORL8\/s1600\/IMG_4517.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ne-nuRSPO9s\/Vt34B8HXapI\/AAAAAAAAJO4\/_7Y7xalORL8\/s640\/IMG_4517.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8147804023920515907\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without_7.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8147804023920515907"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8147804023920515907"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without_7.html","title":"How to Score a New Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s72-c\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2628554370915159921"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-07T13:58:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:13:24.441-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Score a New Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s1600\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s640\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShopping for new clothes is a huge hobby for many people. It can be really fun, thrilling to find deals and treasures; but it can also really hurt later, when you get the credit card bill. Here's a totally fun, and completely free, way to overhaul your wardrobe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are many community gifting groups on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, and live anywhere near other people, there is likely already a local gifting or sharing group that you can join. If not, it's easy to start one and then just invite all your local friends, who will spread the word until you have a lovely, thriving group. Either way, it's a great way to ditch things you're ready to pass on, and acquire new things that you need, beautiful items that you didn't even know existed, and fun or educational stuff for the kids. It's great to be able to hand off something you're done with directly to someone who can use it. This really helps with my tendency to save everything \"just in case I need it later\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhere exactly do all these free clothes come in? Well, things people are giving away are usually posted with a photo, and a brief description. This type of post can be tedious to do when you have a lot of stuff to give away, as people usually do when they clean out their closets. So people tend to offer a whole lot of clothes at once, which then get passed along to everyone who is interested in checking them out. People can try stuff on, keep what they like, add anything of their own that they don't want, and then pass everything along to the next person who wants to look through them. Most of my clothes are acquired this way, for the past few years. And every time I clean out my closet I send along what I won't wear anymore, or what my kids have outgrown, etc, to others in our gifting group.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are various types of these groups, some with different rules, some more active than others. You can do facebook searches to see if there are any in your area, or \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eclick here to see if there is a Buy Nothing Project\u003C\/a\u003E already in your area. For more info on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Estarting a Buy Nothing group, click here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ne-nuRSPO9s\/Vt34B8HXapI\/AAAAAAAAJO4\/_7Y7xalORL8\/s1600\/IMG_4517.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ne-nuRSPO9s\/Vt34B8HXapI\/AAAAAAAAJO4\/_7Y7xalORL8\/s640\/IMG_4517.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2628554370915159921\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2628554370915159921"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2628554370915159921"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/03\/how-to-score-new-wardrobe-without.html","title":"How to Score a New Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HvrrrrCys9g\/Vt3vskVGmJI\/AAAAAAAAJOQ\/APu_Jih-pm4\/s72-c\/IMG_20160303_165406.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3195591520912648126"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-10T18:58:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:14:04.808-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Body Donation: The Frugal Death"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s1600\/IMG_4543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"family at cemetary\" border=\"0\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s640\/IMG_4543.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMany of you probably have very specific ideas in mind for what should happen with your body after you die: Cremation, burial in a family plot, scatter your ashes from a mountain top, or perhaps something else. Maybe you haven't thought about it at all, or can't decide. For me, I've always hated the idea of being embalmed, of being pumped full of chemicals and placed in a fancy box for some weird open casket funeral. Ideally, I'd prefer to die in the woods and have my parts decompose just like the shed leaves of a tree, turning into rich mulch deep in the rainforest somewhere. This is not really possible, though, or practical at least.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat I've decided to do, it turns out, does involve getting embalmed- but for science! I'm donating my body, on my death, to medical science. It will likely be used for teaching future doctors anatomy, so when it comes time to save someone's life, they know firsthand where things are.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis option, in addition to being helpful, is much cheaper than any traditional method of taking care of the body after death. There is no cost associated with body donation, which is great because death can be surprisingly expensive. While it may seem strange to worry about being frugal in times of death, I like the idea that my family won't be saddled with funeral home bills or big decisions about what to do with me after I die. My family will simply have to call the number on my donor ID card, and I will be whisked away by the program I've donated my body to, which happens to be the University of Washington School of Medicine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-D8Ro1hIZxRc\/Vrvw_Lrmd7I\/AAAAAAAAI1M\/EBjGKCAQvMQ\/s1600\/IMG_20160210_171711.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"body donation forms\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-D8Ro1hIZxRc\/Vrvw_Lrmd7I\/AAAAAAAAI1M\/EBjGKCAQvMQ\/s640\/IMG_20160210_171711.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThe paperwork is brief, and only requires the signature of two adult witnesses.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/funeral-tips.com\/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-donating-your-body-to-science\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHere is a great introductory article\u003C\/a\u003E, that explains more about the pros and cons of body donation. In order to find a specific program that I could apply to, I had to do a web search for \"body donation\" plus my home state. This program had a simple form to fill out, which just needed to be mailed in. Soon after, they sent me a card to keep in my wallet, which has a number to call if I should ever die.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI honestly have rarely even considered what would happen to my body after death, being relatively young, but it feels good to be prepared, and to know that it's not something my kids are going to have to figure out during a difficult time. As unpleasant as it may be to plan for these things, a good time to make important decisions about what to do with your body, is before you die. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3195591520912648126\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/body-donation-frugal-death.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3195591520912648126"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3195591520912648126"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2016\/02\/body-donation-frugal-death.html","title":"Body Donation: The Frugal Death"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UlQzcALL_zM\/Vrv2BfXHQiI\/AAAAAAAAI2g\/2OFraVbinzk\/s72-c\/IMG_4543.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8071286771375803609"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:46:11.381-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Halloween Scavenger Hunt!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWant to do something fun with your kids for Halloween that doesn't involve candy? Here is one of the annual activities that my kids look forward to every year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s1600\/P1010159.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s640\/P1010159.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe call this a Monster Hunt. It's a Halloween themed riddle scavenger hunt. We write little rhyming clues that we hide around the house and yard, and the last clue leads to some kind of themed gift. This year it was the coveted \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.welcometonightvale.com\/novel\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWelcome To Night Vale\u003C\/a\u003E book. When my kids were younger it might be a Halloween picture book, cool costumes, or some kind of dark and spooky decoration or toy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4kYFtIgDLls\/VjLPTBuh8CI\/AAAAAAAAHB4\/yf7g5DHSefM\/s1600\/P1010162.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4kYFtIgDLls\/VjLPTBuh8CI\/AAAAAAAAHB4\/yf7g5DHSefM\/s640\/P1010162.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThese are our family's clues, things my kids' dad and I knew they would be able to figure out. They refer to things like our favorite Halloween books, decorations we have around the house or yard, the dollhouse which my kids decorate each year, the refrigerator, the costume bin, and one year to a volunteer pumpkin that we had growing in our garden. You might be able to use some of these clues as is, or change them around, or just read them and get your own ideas altogether.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IIN2cG-LvdA\/VjLQCplABBI\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/2e3nrJrnrjA\/s1600\/P1010157.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IIN2cG-LvdA\/VjLQCplABBI\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/2e3nrJrnrjA\/s640\/P1010157.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEach year, inside one drawer of their \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHalloween Advent Calendar\u003C\/a\u003E, is a little piece of paper that tells them today is the Monster Hunt. (Follow the above link to see what other ideas we use in our advent calendar.) I hide all the clues, being careful that the order they're in makes sense, one leading to the next, and that the last clue leads to a spot that's big enough to hide whatever their gift is. The kids are so excited, and always love this little Halloween tradition.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG021uuSsuM\/VjLXi__l3RI\/AAAAAAAAHCg\/cBAXIi6E6d4\/s1600\/IMG_20151027_094432102.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Halloween Scavenger Hunt\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG021uuSsuM\/VjLXi__l3RI\/AAAAAAAAHCg\/cBAXIi6E6d4\/s640\/IMG_20151027_094432102.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"360\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis was the first year that my youngest was able to read the questions himself. Each time they found a clue, he'd settle in and make himself comfortable, then read the clue aloud to us, before running off to the next location.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8071286771375803609\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8071286771375803609"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8071286771375803609"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html","title":"Halloween Scavenger Hunt!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nSHramQD_TA\/VjLOhIEu5SI\/AAAAAAAAHBw\/XUvO9G6zfPI\/s72-c\/P1010159.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8898019799389375253"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-17T15:38:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T17:42:21.585-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe like to celebrate Halloween for an entire month. Throughout October, in the days leading up to the actual holiday, we do activities that help spread out the joy of Halloween, instead of cramming all the festivities into one glorious and exhausting day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen my oldest was a baby we bought this cardboard haunted house advent calendar at an after-Halloween sale. It had gummy candies in each of the 13 drawers, which I dislike but my kids' dad finds them delicious. After the candies were gone, I saved the haunted house to be a future Halloween decoration, and every year since then we've reused it, filling the drawers with surprises for our kids. I added small numbered tags that protrude from each drawer, letting my kids know which drawer to open next.\u003Cbr \/\u003E You can make your own advent calendar any number of ways, or reuse one like I've done. Over the years, we've put different things in the drawers, from tiny, Halloween themed toys to small candies. In recent years, with candy burnout and toy overload, we instead plan a festive activity for each of the 13 days leading up to Halloween, and the drawer contains a description of that activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s1600\/P1010151.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s640\/P1010151.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s1600\/P1010154.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BX6WHY-z9JI\/Vfs7O_mKrXI\/AAAAAAAAG2Y\/XlLbU2qrXMY\/s640\/P1010154.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis would involve some kind of Halloween themed craft, changing each year depending on materials on hand and inspiration.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s1600\/P1010156.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UdcGeaaqc-E\/Vfs7Is0q0SI\/AAAAAAAAG2U\/QLC1RwvO56Y\/s640\/P1010156.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis is what we call our annual Halloween scavenger hunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt is generally some kind of creepy toy or gift for my kids to share.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s1600\/P1010155.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"halloween advent calendar\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8uROL0E8vms\/Vfs7H5-qabI\/AAAAAAAAG2M\/QlZNt5l1tEo\/s640\/P1010155.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWe have a few movies that we usually watch each October, Nightmare Before Christmas is one favorite.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHere is a list of family traditions that might be included in our Halloween activity advent calendar:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDecorate the house\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDo a Halloween craft of some kind\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStroll through a beautiful old cemetary \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EGo to a Halloween Party\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWatch Nightmare Before Christmas\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat on Halloween night\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETrick or Treat at the local businesses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESee Dracula, the ballet, in full costume\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBathtime in the dark, with glow-in-the dark toys and LED candles\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ERhyming scavenger hunt (see this link for \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/10\/halloween-scavenger-hunt.html\"\u003Escavenger hunt ideas\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHarvest festival at a local farm\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPack up unwanted candies in gift bags for the homeless \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe also play spooky music throughout the month, and change our screensaver to our collection of Halloween photos from previous years, which my kids love.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEach year we modify the activities so they're appropriate to the ages and interests of our kids, but the basic structure remains the same. We all enjoy prolonging the festivities, and I think we reduce a lot of stress by not trying to fit everything into just one day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhat activities does your family enjoy each October? Are there Halloween movies you love watching with your kids? I'd love to hear your ideas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8898019799389375253\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8898019799389375253"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/09\/halloween-activity-advent-calendar.html","title":"Halloween Activity Advent Calendar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pV_t-zS1oEE\/Vfs6KJiRn-I\/AAAAAAAAG14\/gksxmmFBC3c\/s72-c\/P1010151.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-532238475439588331"},"published":{"$t":"2015-01-04T11:44:00.002-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T18:08:31.899-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Meditation: The How \u0026 Why"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s1600\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lavender flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s1600\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAs the new year begins, many of us find this a good time to let\u0026nbsp;go of old habits and\u0026nbsp;start healthier ones.\u0026nbsp;Will you make 2015 the year you start meditating regularly?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI'm a pretty typical Type A personality: driven, busy, and often multitasking, while still making an effort to slow down and enjoy life. For years I considered meditation a luxury of those with much simpler lives, something that\u0026nbsp;I couldn't possibly justify making the time for on a regular basis.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9XTrJRsp9LM\/VKoWHFBcv7I\/AAAAAAAAFAY\/59t_Z-t8w60\/s1600\/P1014880.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meditation\" border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9XTrJRsp9LM\/VKoWHFBcv7I\/AAAAAAAAFAY\/59t_Z-t8w60\/s1600\/P1014880.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI eventually read this book though, that completely changed my view, and suddenly meditation became positively worthwhile for me- \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sharonsalzberg.com\/real-happiness-book\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EReal Happiness: The Power of Meditation, by Sharon Salzberg\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. I recommend it to anyone curious about meditation, especially for those like me who had tried it at various times in their lives and felt like a failure at it for one reason or another. I'm not going to do the book justice here, but I'm going to try to sum up what changed for me, and what I learned from reading Real Happiness.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rx9Y9KyIWF8\/VKoWXqDLP0I\/AAAAAAAAFAg\/8NBlMYyO51w\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162320.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest columns\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rx9Y9KyIWF8\/VKoWXqDLP0I\/AAAAAAAAFAg\/8NBlMYyO51w\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162320.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHere are some of the reasons I've had difficulty maintaining a meditation practice over the years:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMy mind would wander. I felt incapable of clearing my mind for 20 minutes. I figured there were people who could do this, and people who could not, and I just couldn't.\u0026nbsp;I felt convinced there were more important things I needed my time for. Life was passing me by, while I sat! Meditation seemed like a waste of this limited resource. Sitting still? What was the point, really? Enlightenment? Did I even want to be enlightened? I was pretty sure meditation was something that might be a huge benefit for certain types of people, but for me, not so much. I'm more of a doer, not a sitter. Keeping myself busy seemed more rewarding.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hUC-XaimMt4\/VKoWk7pb-FI\/AAAAAAAAFAo\/rty332z7XvQ\/s1600\/P6304369.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"beautiful view\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hUC-XaimMt4\/VKoWk7pb-FI\/AAAAAAAAFAo\/rty332z7XvQ\/s1600\/P6304369.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOK, so here is what I've learned about How to Meditate:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are so many ways to meditate successfully, but in order to clear your mind of\u0026nbsp;wandering thoughts, it helps to maintain some kind of focal point. Some practitioners use a mantra, a series of words or sounds mentally repeated. These can have meaning to you or not; the point is to have something to come back to when your mind wants to jump around. Another focal point could be your breath, just focusing on the rise and fall of your chest. Or the subtle\u0026nbsp;feel of the air as it softly passes in and out of your nose. Some use a mental image. Whatever you can gently focus on, and come back to as often as needed, will work.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-05k2OSZZx1E\/VKoWu5EXsMI\/AAAAAAAAFAw\/MifrtmAFEVo\/s1600\/P5030096.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"purple flower\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-05k2OSZZx1E\/VKoWu5EXsMI\/AAAAAAAAFAw\/MifrtmAFEVo\/s1600\/P5030096.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EChoose your focus. Let the rest go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI prefer to keep my eyes closed during meditation, but some find it easier to keep their thoughts from wandering if they have a visual focal point, such as a candle on a table in front of you, a flower in a vase, or even a spot on the wall. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor everyone, no matter how experienced, thoughts will come during meditation. It's not a sign of failure or an innate shortcoming. It's human.\u0026nbsp;It's what you do with those thoughts, how you respond, that makes a difference. Do you follow them wherever they lead? It's easy to do, but bringing yourself back to your focal point, gently and consistently, and being prepared to do this over and over again, will help your practice. Successful meditation involves consistently making the choice to gently guide your mind home, to your chosen focal point.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MgMKj3brM5o\/VKoXBxAtOWI\/AAAAAAAAFA4\/JAUIDqhikKQ\/s1600\/09-11%7C10%3A19%3A25.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"natural waterway\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MgMKj3brM5o\/VKoXBxAtOWI\/AAAAAAAAFA4\/JAUIDqhikKQ\/s1600\/09-11%7C10%3A19%3A25.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI use a free meditation timer app on my phone so that I can simply set it and meditate for a decent amount of time without checking a clock.\u0026nbsp;The app I use is called Insight Timer, but I'm sure there are others out there that would be\u0026nbsp;just as useful. Even a small kitchen timer or something could work. I like the freedom of being able to sit without thinking about how much time has passed, and at the end of my chosen time, a lovely chime sound\u0026nbsp;signals that I'm ready to begin the rest of my day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAnother aspect of meditating is simply to sit, and be still as much as possible. Adjust your body during meditation only if you must. Moving doesn't mean you failed.\u0026nbsp;I might switch positions if my foot is falling asleep or something. But those small itches and tingles, sensations of \"needing\" to move, it's best to just breathe them away. It helps me to remind myself, \"This too shall pass.\" And it will. Sensations come and go. Chances are, that tickling you feel is not anything that needs your attention. Learning to notice these sensations without reacting to them is part of the practice. Notice, and let it go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xetbe9fDIiI\/VKoXOVsI8bI\/AAAAAAAAFBA\/bv-YUey5lS4\/s1600\/01-19-2012-141937.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"icy plants\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xetbe9fDIiI\/VKoXOVsI8bI\/AAAAAAAAFBA\/bv-YUey5lS4\/s1600\/01-19-2012-141937.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis too shall pass.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELast but not least, find a time that really works for you. Or, perhaps, create a time that really works for you. Yes, our lives are busy. We all have to choose how we spend each moment. For me, I try to rise before my kids each day. Instead of going straight\u0026nbsp;for a cup of tea, I sit, right in bed, and meditate. It really helps me to\u0026nbsp;fit in my practice if I do it before getting busy with life.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf first thing in the morning doesn't work for you, perhaps it's something you could do on your lunch break, or right before bed. I think it helps to have a daily practice if the time you meditate each day is pretty consistent. When I\u0026nbsp;couldn't manage to\u0026nbsp;wake up before my early-rising youngest child, I'd try to show up\u0026nbsp;a little early for yoga class and just sit in meditation on my mat before class.\u0026nbsp;In general though, I know if I skip my morning practice, I'm unlikely to make time for it later that day. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-k6iwpU7gPME\/VKoXfMKJ64I\/AAAAAAAAFBI\/oSFxAymkyGg\/s1600\/09-04%7C10%3A37%3A04.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"footbridge\" border=\"0\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-k6iwpU7gPME\/VKoXfMKJ64I\/AAAAAAAAFBI\/oSFxAymkyGg\/s1600\/09-04%7C10%3A37%3A04.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere is discipline in maintaining a meditation practice, and part of the benefit of meditation comes from consistently making time for yourself this way. Once you decide the benefits are worth it (I'll get to that part soon!) create or find a time that works for you and stick to it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESo, that's How, but the question remains, Why?? Why take the time each day to sit, when we have so much else to do? What is the point of meditation? The answer lies in the title of Salzberg's book: Real Happiness. For most of us, our goals in life, at their most basic, are just about being happy. We want to be happier, we want our kids to grow up to be happy, we want to make others happy. Maybe I'm just a Polyanna, but I think we simply all desire happiness, and pretty much all our other goals are just paths to happiness.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lA87P7u-LVk\/VKoXvOXRrOI\/AAAAAAAAFBQ\/t1w_H4_jRPc\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162236.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest columns\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lA87P7u-LVk\/VKoXvOXRrOI\/AAAAAAAAFBQ\/t1w_H4_jRPc\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162236.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat gets in the way of happiness? Annoyances, sadness, anger, hurt. Big things and little things that cause problems for us of one form or another. Meditation practice helps us maintain an even keel when the world is whipping around us. As it will. We can't protect ourselves from all the storms, but we can train our brains to respond to stress in more helpful, less reactive ways.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EConsider it exercise for your mind. My friend calls meditation \"mind yoga\". When we train our minds to stay focused during meditation, to return to the task at hand (just sitting), it helps us in real life to function in confusing and stressful situations. Life gets hectic and we can remain calm. Our minds don't get carried away with worry and stress in difficult situations. Remember, this too shall pass. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wu_FYumAuGQ\/VKoX_S50EYI\/AAAAAAAAFBY\/ojSx3XXm2ro\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162420.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"forest sculpture\" border=\"0\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wu_FYumAuGQ\/VKoX_S50EYI\/AAAAAAAAFBY\/ojSx3XXm2ro\/s1600\/10-05-2008-162420.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMeditation gives us\u0026nbsp;a calm base for the rest of our life. It doesn't mean we won't get irate when the situation calls for it, but perhaps we won't overreact as often as we used to. This is a change that was really clear in my own life. I used to get quite upset about small things, and I absolutely notice that a regular practice gives me a better perspective on life's little annoyances. For example, things like\u0026nbsp;breaking a favorite dish or being late for an appointment\u0026nbsp;no longer feel like the end of the world. This too shall pass.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEven- especially- when\u0026nbsp;big, big problems arise, meditation is there for us. When my last relationship ended a year ago, I was pretty sure my life was over, worried that my kids would grow up emotionally disfigured from the break of their nuclear family, and convinced that I'd never love again. Fortunately, I was in the habit of meditating every morning, and I maintained it throughout my grief. Some days I was so distraught I could only sit for two minutes, but I still made an effort every morning, through a sense of habit, resolve, and self preservation. I do believe this continued practice, feeble though it might have been\u0026nbsp;on some days,\u0026nbsp;is one of the things that kept me grounded in a reality of calmness, and a sense of the bigger picture,\u0026nbsp;during what was definitely the hardest transition of my life. Read about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow my family survived, and thrived, after this change, in my article here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9F_uHRCr--o\/VKoYPpxskCI\/AAAAAAAAFBg\/UE3bw64j9Io\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123912.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"red alder\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9F_uHRCr--o\/VKoYPpxskCI\/AAAAAAAAFBg\/UE3bw64j9Io\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123912.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ERemember the instruction to gently guide your mind back to your focal point? This is something we learn to do repeatedly, patiently, and kindly.\u0026nbsp;We learn\u0026nbsp;through meditation\u0026nbsp;practice to be patient and kind with our own perceived shortcomings and flaws. We are none of us perfect, ever. We can focus on the ways we screw up, criticize ourselves, and hope to change through self shame. Or, we can embrace, and love, and gently guide ourselves back onto our path, wherever that might be, again and again. Life, like our meditation practice, is kind of a series of stumbles as we move towards our focus, and choosing to return to the practice with a sense of lightness and good humor makes the whole thing much more enjoyable and effective. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo paraphrase Salzberg, it's not about how frequently your thoughts wander during meditation - for they will wander -\u0026nbsp;but how you treat yourself when your thoughts wander. Learning to do this with kindness and patience positively carries over into real life. We get in the habit of being more forgiving with ourselves, and that carries over into being more patient and forgiving with others. As a parent, I see my meditation practice as a real benefit to my children. In times of turbulence, I manage to maintain a little more grace than I used to. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MonIrmAc6FE\/VKoYvTZgXHI\/AAAAAAAAFBw\/MoFIaTeIScw\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101315.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chive flower\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MonIrmAc6FE\/VKoYvTZgXHI\/AAAAAAAAFBw\/MoFIaTeIScw\/s1600\/08-13-2012-101315.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen looked at in this light, I think it's easy to see why even the busiest among us can benefit from a regular meditation practice.\u0026nbsp;Meditation\u0026nbsp;prepares us to keep\u0026nbsp;a calm and balanced mind through life's small annoyances as well as life's huge curveballs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBelow, I've added an ad link to Sharon Salzberg's book, Real Happiness. I do so recommend it, for anyone who wants more info on the practical life benefits of daily meditation. Any purchases made through my link are highly appreciated, as Amazon gives us a tiny boon in exchange for hosting their ad. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=0761159258\u0026amp;asins=0761159258\u0026amp;linkId=UQXDOHQW3ULOO5RJ\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/532238475439588331\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html#comment-form","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/532238475439588331"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/532238475439588331"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/meditation-how-why.html","title":"Meditation: The How \u0026 Why"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rKUa2HDjNX0\/VKoV4bcvIFI\/AAAAAAAAFAQ\/QZdyBHk5NhE\/s72-c\/05-19-2012-131130.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5956394949337734391"},"published":{"$t":"2014-08-17T14:48:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:19:59.716-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Frugally Uncoupling: How to Break Up without Breaking the Bank"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EDivorce is pretty much universally challenging, but it doesn't need to be the worst thing to happen to you, and it doesn't need to break the bank. Despite the common perception, it does not have to be a huge financial sinkhole, a source\u0026nbsp;of everlasting angst, or the subject\u0026nbsp;of your child's future therapy sessions. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhen my partner of ten years and I first split up, I knew none of this, and I was worried that our formerly happy lives were going to hell. There are so few examples of happy divorces, and so many fine examples of the damage a nasty divorce can do to people, to\u0026nbsp;their relationships, and their finances. I'm not saying our breakup was completely pain free or easy, but I felt it was important to write this article to share how it's possible to end a romantic relationship, after living together and raising kids for ten years, while still being frugal and friendly.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-q7wI8ylYpm4\/U_EeLXfIRUI\/AAAAAAAAEvY\/2mohxiJXlUo\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111205.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"funny family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-q7wI8ylYpm4\/U_EeLXfIRUI\/AAAAAAAAEvY\/2mohxiJXlUo\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111205.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI have friends who have been duking out the terms of their divorce, and particularly the custody of their children, for over three years. They never agree on anything, and are each a source of endless misery to the person that they used to love. They spend ridiculous amounts of money simply communicating with each other (or failing to), because it basically all has to be done through their lawyers. It is not easy for their kids to be in the middle of such animosity, and it's stressful for both of them to be spending all of their money on this ongoing fight.\u0026nbsp;This is a particularly bad case, but many other couples I have known are in similar, if less inflamed or drawn out, legal battles.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ENik and I are adamant about not letting our relationship and communication\u0026nbsp;devolve like this. In fact, since we were never legally married and don't have to get a legal divorce, we haven't had to involve a single lawyer in our process of separation. In our ten years together we've pretty much always been kind to each other, and aren't about to stop being kind just because we are no longer\u0026nbsp;going to spend the rest of our lives with each other. We are still co-parenting, and want to continue to do that the best way we can. Breaking up has not turned us against each other. We both see that hurting each other would pretty much directly hurt our kids as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KgP43OahAso\/U_EeT_Mhs5I\/AAAAAAAAEvg\/N0dl3c1GWYY\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111213.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet family portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KgP43OahAso\/U_EeT_Mhs5I\/AAAAAAAAEvg\/N0dl3c1GWYY\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111213.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESpeaking of the welfare of children, I admit to experiencing a short-lived fear that this would be the end of their happy, carefree childhood. That us breaking up would signal the collapse of all things good for our wonderful family, and that our kids would forever resent us for not \"working things out\" with each other. But here's the thing: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPre-breakup, we were a close-knit nuclear family. Post-breakup, our family has actually grown and expanded. Both Nik and I are in new relationships with wonderful people who our kids love. The world my children inhabit has grown larger and more interesting. Rather than breaking into shards, our family has\u0026nbsp;simply shifted and\u0026nbsp;grown new roots to support the new branches.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I3QznZ3J3uo\/U_EeetuouLI\/AAAAAAAAEvo\/zIFlyMt5HsU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111236.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet couple portrait\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I3QznZ3J3uo\/U_EeetuouLI\/AAAAAAAAEvo\/zIFlyMt5HsU\/s1600\/07-23-2012-111236.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EPretty much the best ex-boyfriend ever.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAt its most basic, the frugal breakup is a kind breakup. When two people are really trying to put each other through the ringer, it gets expensive fast. It hurts everyone. But when they remember to be caring and kind--even when there are no kids to think of--and generous in spirit with each other, even a long relationship can end without really costing a thing. Obviously, when you are legally married there will be the straightforward fee involved in a legal divorce, but it doesn't have to escalate beyond that when people remain kind to each other.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo read more on \"consciously uncoupling\", I recommend checking out the book \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=F2cr0G_ZWmEC\u0026amp;printsec=frontcover\u0026amp;dq=the+good+divorce\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;sa=X\u0026amp;ei=MyHxU5G6JsT5oAS6-AI\u0026amp;ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage\u0026amp;q=the%20good%20divorce\u0026amp;f=false\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Good Divorce: How to Walk Away Financially Sound and Emotionally Happy\u003C\/a\u003E, by Raoul Felder and Barbara Victor. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-js4auJh_xAY\/U_Eer5pOg0I\/AAAAAAAAEvw\/AXWo5PYuGKI\/s1600\/IMG_20140703_190229100.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sweet kids\" border=\"0\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-js4auJh_xAY\/U_Eer5pOg0I\/AAAAAAAAEvw\/AXWo5PYuGKI\/s1600\/IMG_20140703_190229100.jpg\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHappy children in an evolving family\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5956394949337734391\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5956394949337734391"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5956394949337734391"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2014\/08\/frugally-uncoupling-how-to-break-up.html","title":"Frugally Uncoupling: How to Break Up without Breaking the Bank"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Of44JolKV_A\/U_Ed-PM65qI\/AAAAAAAAEvQ\/MujQxlQe8yU\/s72-c\/07-23-2012-111157.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1174497731634120835"},"published":{"$t":"2013-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:19.501-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe final product, in all its gleaming upcycled glory:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s1600\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s640\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere were a couple of years that we went completely treeless at Christmas, when my kids were quite young and wouldn't miss it. But I do like having a big tree to decorate, with beautiful presents piled underneath.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s1600\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fabric wrapped christmas presents\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rFCY9o8OPU\/UplZXYIwCWI\/AAAAAAAACa8\/o648_YlMIqw\/s640\/12-04-2011-192610.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor a few years we would go out of town in early December and cut a tree from a little tree farm, and then one year we discovered buying the ones already trucked into town and sold in lots was way cheaper. Still, cutting or buying a new tree each year never sat well with me. It just seems like such a waste, in more ways than one. It's part of the uber-consumption of the holiday season that we generally do well to avoid.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe considered buying a fake tree, and talked to a lot of friends who are very happy with theirs. I liked the idea of having one tree to use every December forever, without creating more waste each year. I was not happy with the off-gassing factor of artificial trees though. Also, many fake trees are pre-lit, and the biggest problem with that appears to be that the light strands will die in big sections, as light strands do, and then you end up with a half-lit tree, and ultimately a bunch more trash in the landfill.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s1600\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"metal christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-P4M1X8jm10o\/UplZsp3kY2I\/AAAAAAAACbE\/8DSiIrGwX3M\/s640\/12-04-2011-155523.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe borrowed a white metal yard tree from a friend one year, and used that in our living room. I kind of liked the stark simplicity of the metal, but with half the lights out it was rather haphazard looking. One day, after gazing for a moment at our semi-ugly borrowed metal tree, Nik declared that he could make a better one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Drk_HhuMI5k\/UplYTq2PKyI\/AAAAAAAACak\/vih-79rVeAo\/s640\/12-17-2011-171427.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECreating the branching effect\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHe got to work right away. The only thing he needed to buy for it was a copper lightning rod, to use as the tree trunk. The rest of the copper came from stripped electrical wires, leftover from the rolls of wiring he had for a house project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s1600\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iwRHZGlEqGo\/UplYfggPGKI\/AAAAAAAACas\/9uX7uWczqtk\/s640\/12-17-2011-171524.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can see in the picture how he wound a thick layer of extra rubber tubing around the base of the tree so it would work in a conventional tree stand.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStripping the wiring of its protective coating was not an easy task, but once he had that done, building the tree was fun and easy. To continue with the upcycling trend, he used strips of old bicycle tubing to lash the branches to the trunk. Then he unwound the wires to make them branch in natural patterns... And then we had our tree! Simple, mostly free materials, and what's more beautiful than gleaming copper?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s1600\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RFMiTkl4NwY\/Uplgkqrch2I\/AAAAAAAACbc\/-88X6fhXHQo\/s640\/11-27-2012-123944.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe wire is plenty strong for all our ornaments. You can see in this photo how we simply wind the light strand around the trunk of the tree rather than around the perimeter as you might for a pine tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s1600\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"copper christmas tree\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6HLOO3YC7i0\/UplgWhJOldI\/AAAAAAAACbU\/fwWZjEoq_BU\/s640\/11-26-2012-104003.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think the gold tree star topper looks fabulous on the copper tree.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis will be our third year using it, and it's still as beautiful as ever!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1174497731634120835\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html#comment-form","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1174497731634120835"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/11\/our-handmade-copper-tree.html","title":"Our Handmade Copper Tree"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Iygkw9NaYE\/UplZK9ktUQI\/AAAAAAAACa0\/EquG-V6CUkQ\/s72-c\/12-17-2011-230406.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-5374030620763316799"},"published":{"$t":"2013-10-11T06:35:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:21:57.159-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Start Or Join A Buy Nothing Facebook Group"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s1600\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"crowd at the beach\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s640\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis was exactly what I'd been looking for. The Buy Nothing Project (BNP) was created not only to reduce overall waste and consumption by redistributing goods that people are done with, but also- and perhaps more importantly- to help build community through sharing abundance within local groups.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAbout a year ago a  group of us from Sustainable Burien formed a temporary book club to read  and discuss Charles Eisenstein's book, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/sacred-economics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESacred Economics\u003C\/a\u003E.  We all came to the same conclusion: We wanted a more thriving  community, a culture centered around sharing and mutual happiness and support,  and an alternative economy based on gifting, rather than the scarcity  model that encourages hoarding and isolation.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KZ6VIOJSY3U\/Ulf5MVwUNHI\/AAAAAAAACZE\/YounN23hNeI\/s1600\/01-15-2012-154247.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"snowy street\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KZ6VIOJSY3U\/Ulf5MVwUNHI\/AAAAAAAACZE\/YounN23hNeI\/s640\/01-15-2012-154247.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESo,  when we heard about the Buy Nothing Project, my friend Rebecca\u0026nbsp;and I  knew it would be a wonderful move in the right direction for our  community. We contacted Liesl Clark, one of the creators of Buy Nothing, and she set up our  facebook group the next day. Rebecca\u0026nbsp;and I are now the  administrators of our local group, but the outlines and rules for the  group were formed by the BNP. Our group is part of a quickly growing network of regional facebook groups, all based on gifting and building community.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor years I've been a member of a freecycle group, which has been great in terms of reducing waste, since we can easily rehome anything we're ready to get rid of. It's also a useful forum for requesting things before we buy them new. But I would not say it is much of a medium for building real community. The email addresses the group is based around are too anonymous, and the area each group covers is too large to enable a personal connection between other members.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ctpbxVkRU30\/Ulf4dlAVg5I\/AAAAAAAACY0\/z5-crFaiAPE\/s1600\/08-20-2012-145608.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh rhubarb\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ctpbxVkRU30\/Ulf4dlAVg5I\/AAAAAAAACY0\/z5-crFaiAPE\/s640\/08-20-2012-145608.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPerhaps you'll have some garden bounty to share!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe way\u0026nbsp;Buy Nothing\u0026nbsp;differs is that each post is linked with a facebook user profile, and each group is limited to smaller geographic areas. The limited area helps reduce driving time and gas usage when making physical connections to pick things up. The fact that we use our actual facebook profiles encourages real connections to be made, since it's easier to recognize who you are messaging when there is a picture profile attached. It also discourages people like professional refuse seekers, who score freebies only to sell them, from taking advantage of the generosity of others. Anyone who breaks rules or is creepy can easily be blocked from the group.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe are thrilled to bring this project to Burien. If you are interested in starting a group of your own in an area not already covered by a Buy Nothing group, here is the info page on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/2013\/07\/31\/how-to-set-up-your-own-buy-nothing-group\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow to set up a Buy Nothing group\u003C\/a\u003E. First, you might want to check here to see if there is already a group that serves your area: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/\"\u003Ebuynothingproject.org\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5374030620763316799\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html#comment-form","title":"8 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5374030620763316799"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/5374030620763316799"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/10\/start-or-join-buy-nothing-facebook-group.html","title":"Start Or Join A Buy Nothing Facebook Group"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jsY2F_WRpKQ\/Ulf41XJ-k7I\/AAAAAAAACY8\/T3_Sh_djDqM\/s72-c\/04-13-2013-183038.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"8"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4795323594468056747"},"published":{"$t":"2013-03-28T08:16:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:24:24.412-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Foraging"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Meat Cake- A Gluten And Sugar Free Birthday Alternative"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s640\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis was Nik's birthday cake. He didn't want something sweet, so we went with a savory birthday cake. It was actually a big hit- we even put candles in it and sang to him, and nobody missed the cloying icing and stomach aches.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIt's a basic meatloaf, covered with a layer of mashed  potato \"frosting\", then shredded cheese on top, and decorated with  edible flowers. I used nasturtiums, calendula, dandelion, and borage  flowers, all readily available in the garden in late September.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2NaNpayZzM\/UVRcMa_zXPI\/AAAAAAAACSk\/7SjOFUVOpXQ\/s1600\/09-29-2012-151500.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with mashed potato topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2NaNpayZzM\/UVRcMa_zXPI\/AAAAAAAACSk\/7SjOFUVOpXQ\/s640\/09-29-2012-151500.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe kids may still request sweet cakes for their birthdays, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et this \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eis definitely the start of a new tradition for at least our adult birthdays. You can just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse your favorite \u003C\/span\u003Emeat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eloaf recipe, topped with however you like to make your mashed potatoes, but here's what I did:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis is the ratio for the meatloaf I make, and \u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EI tripled it for a 9 x 9\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\" baking dish\u003C\/b\u003E:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\u003C\/span\u003E lb organic ground beef\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 eggs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c oat flour (I just \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erun some dry oatmeal in the blen\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eder\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 large clove\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E garlic\u003C\/span\u003E, minced \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/3 onion, ch\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eopped\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 t salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 t dr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey sage\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EM\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eix well\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euntil everything is evenly distr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eibuted, then \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epress into the pan. Bake at 375 until the edges pull away from the side of th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee pan\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. Maybe 20 minutes? \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ENot\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E only do ovens vary, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebut the dimens\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eions of you\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Er pan may \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Evary and whet\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eher you double or triple this recipe will change the baking time. Don't fear, though\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. If you stay nearby, you will smell the meat cooking and know when it's don\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eas it visibly sh\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erinks away from the pan. I never time things, but just stay close to what I'm cooking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAs the meat bakes, you can make the mashed \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epotatoes. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou know how to do this. Just\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E wash potatoes and chop them into roughly 1\" chunks. Add to boiling water. A few large potatoes ought to be enough to frost this cake\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, but you can make the\u0026nbsp; \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efrosting as deep as you want, and leftover mashed po\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Etatoe\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es are always \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewelcome around here\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAs soon\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E as a fork slides into a potato easily, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecarefully pour out nearly all the cooking water. You can leave a little in the bottom. Add copious amounts of butter\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003Eand some cream or milk \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E(maybe 1\/4- 1\/2c\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E of each)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E, plus some salt to taste. Mash together until smooth. Some people prefer using peeled p\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eotatoes, but I don't think of that as a whole food\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eplus peeling potatoes always seems like a complete wast\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee of time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PR7jK8S0Vi8\/UVRYurxHccI\/AAAAAAAACSM\/wjbxKeYuMek\/s1600\/09-29-2012-151457.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"potato topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PR7jK8S0Vi8\/UVRYurxHccI\/AAAAAAAACSM\/wjbxKeYuMek\/s640\/09-29-2012-151457.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESpread the mashed potatoes over the cooked meat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E cake. You can eat it now, or if you want to add cheese, do so, and then broil for a couple of minutes\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0h4DB4SchLo\/UVRZTSkN2JI\/AAAAAAAACSU\/xoETpqDW668\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152448.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with mashed potatoes\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0h4DB4SchLo\/UVRZTSkN2JI\/AAAAAAAACSU\/xoETpqDW668\/s640\/09-29-2012-152448.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo make it special, pic\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ek some \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efresh edible flowers from the garden\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E. Included here are nasturtium, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eandelion, and calendu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ela. There's a borage flower as well. You could also\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E use \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erose petals\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TCKlI6SaWbo\/UVRZrJ4_XjI\/AAAAAAAACSc\/QRt346wAKe8\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152024.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TCKlI6SaWbo\/UVRZrJ4_XjI\/AAAAAAAACSc\/QRt346wAKe8\/s640\/09-29-2012-152024.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI left \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethese sitting in a bowl of water to keep\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E them fresh while preparing the rest of the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecake, and let the cake cool a bit \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebefore decorating with th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee flowers, so they didn't wilt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E. I also removed the bitter green sepals of the dandelion flowers\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E before using them\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-p5FjKL4Qg5U\/UVRcl_mfCdI\/AAAAAAAACSs\/LKCiQudskZY\/s1600\/09-29-2012-152832.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"meat cake with edible flowers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-p5FjKL4Qg5U\/UVRcl_mfCdI\/AAAAAAAACSs\/LKCiQudskZY\/s640\/09-29-2012-152832.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EEnjoy\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4795323594468056747\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/03\/meat-cake-gluten-and-sugar-free.html#comment-form","title":"18 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4795323594468056747"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4795323594468056747"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/03\/meat-cake-gluten-and-sugar-free.html","title":"Meat Cake- A Gluten And Sugar Free Birthday Alternative"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-etE8FIdT1AM\/UVRT0q1uuYI\/AAAAAAAACSE\/MZ79s59CXzE\/s72-c\/09-29-2012-152827.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"18"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8595856935139729014"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-28T08:07:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:14:31.255-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Make Microwave Popcorn in a Bowl"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"This is the easiest thing ever: Make popcorn right in the bowl you're going to serve it in. You don't need to do it in a paper bag, you don't need any chemical-laden, pre-measured packets from the store, and you don't need a space-hogging kitchen appliance just for popping corn.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s640\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI use blue popcorn. This will work with any variety of popcorn! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMeasure out 1\/3 c of popcorn kernels into a large microwave-safe bowl. I just use a glass mixing bowl, probably with a 1 gallon capacity. You may want to vary the amount of corn you use depending on the size of your bowl or the size of your microwave. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0olZmMrEac\/UPAqHzLN5vI\/AAAAAAAACKw\/Hw8mqQh1Pf0\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153721.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0olZmMrEac\/UPAqHzLN5vI\/AAAAAAAACKw\/Hw8mqQh1Pf0\/s640\/06-23-2012-153721.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you just want to make a single serving, use 2 Tb corn in a large soup bowl. This has been great for when my kids want to snack on some popcorn. I can make exactly as much as we want with really no hassle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe've always popped our popcorn on its own, and then added seasonings after popping, but based on reader suggestions (thanks, guys!) after publishing this article, I've started adding oil \u0026amp; salt before popping. I use about 2 Tb oil and several grinds of sea salt, stir it into the kernels, and then pop as normal. I think it gives the popcorn a great texture to pre-season it, but it works both ways. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhatever size bowl you use, just make sure you have a microwave safe plate that fits over the top. The plate will keep the popcorn in while letting steam out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJbdranK0tQ\/UPArbnzHLMI\/AAAAAAAACLY\/C-G6KnQykOE\/s1600\/06-23-2012-153742.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJbdranK0tQ\/UPArbnzHLMI\/AAAAAAAACLY\/C-G6KnQykOE\/s640\/06-23-2012-153742.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMicrowave, covered with the plate, for about 3 to 4 1\/2 minutes. Stay within earshot of the microwave during the last couple minutes, and pull it out as soon as the pops reduce in frequency to about 1 every 3 seconds. If you've ever made microwave popcorn before, it's the same thing here. If you let it go too long, it will burn, but you'll have a lot of unpopped kernels if you pull it out too soon. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-30fL-LvwGbw\/UPAsL0FgDMI\/AAAAAAAACLg\/nuPxnAoWDmg\/s1600\/06-23-2012-154819.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-30fL-LvwGbw\/UPAsL0FgDMI\/AAAAAAAACLg\/nuPxnAoWDmg\/s640\/06-23-2012-154819.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur favorite way to dress popcorn is with melted butter or olive oil, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce or Bragg liquid aminos. Add whatever you like to your popcorn and enjoy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe buy our bulk organic popcorn from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8595856935139729014\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/how-to-make-microwave-popcorn-in-bowl.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8595856935139729014"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8595856935139729014"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/how-to-make-microwave-popcorn-in-bowl.html","title":"How to Make Microwave Popcorn in a Bowl"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C3CWK7z_DTE\/UPApg0zjuLI\/AAAAAAAACKo\/MDQPqcvyG8w\/s72-c\/06-23-2012-153631.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4091376333143268267"},"published":{"$t":"2013-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:40:04.294-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Economics Of Keeping Chickens"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhy We Decided To Let Them Go...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIt seemed like a step backwards at first- we've come this far toward sustainability\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E; we haven't bought eggs (or chicken meat!) in years\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E; we've got a coop with a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewindow and a skylight\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, and a light on a timer; we've got a safe and relatively dry ch\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eicken run; we recently added a waterer that hardly needs any maintenance\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E; we enjoy and value the fresh eggs; and keeping chickens \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ei\u003C\/span\u003Es really very easy\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E once the coop a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003End run \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewa\u003C\/span\u003Es all set up.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E So, why was Nik suggesting that we ditch the chickens? It was hard for \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eme to grasp at first, but \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI've come around, and here's why:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s1600\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s640\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA flock of pullets, relaxing in their new chicken run before beginning a life of egg laying.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe don't really make a habit of spending money on hobbies that don't pay for themselves one way or another. Ide\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eally, chickens will produce more value in eggs (and\/or meat) than they cost in feed and other inputs. It helps if you are getting enough to sel\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003El a few dozen each month, which we did here and there during our hens' younger\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E years. These days\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, though, our hens are all three and four year\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es old, and we only g\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eet an egg or two every day from our \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Esix hens.\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E Yes, these eggs are of a great high quality and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efreshness that you can't buy in stores, but they are few and far between. Most \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Epeople don't keep hens around \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethis long, beca\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse there is no way their output matches the cost in feed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E at this \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\"advanced\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\" age\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBut f\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeeding them is\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En't the only cost: \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWhether you do it a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efter\u003C\/span\u003E two years or a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Efter four years, you have to replace your hens if you want to keep collecting eggs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E There are different ways to do this\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, and they pretty much all require a large upfront expense- people \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erarely give away hens in the pr\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eime of life\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E (1 to 2 years\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E old). If you order day-old chicks you pay $3\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E to $8 \u003C\/span\u003Eper chick, plus additional if you wan\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et them vaccinated, plus another lump sum for shipping costs. Or you can buy from a local farmer, and probably pay a higher per chi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eck fee but save the shipping costs. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe selection \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewill be\u003C\/span\u003E more limited from a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E local farmer, but you\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Er money will st\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eay in the commu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enity an\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed support a family farm.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-y57e9xU1GCg\/UR5eYxp-bUI\/AAAAAAAACPs\/WGJlds3d_hw\/s1600\/04-27%7C10:18:57.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"brooding fresh chicks\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-y57e9xU1GCg\/UR5eYxp-bUI\/AAAAAAAACPs\/WGJlds3d_hw\/s640\/04-27%7C10:18:57.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EDay old chicks need starter feed, sand\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, water, a h\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeat lamp, and a home big enough to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ekeep them cozy for the 5 weeks\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E i\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et takes to grow their feathers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe spent over $60 ordering our first batch of 8 chicks several years ago. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOf course that does not include the initial costs of building the coop and run, and the chick starter feed w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehich is more expensive than layer feed. \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe are very DIY and try not to buy a lot of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Egadgets that we can make ourselves, so we built the coop from salvaged wood and made our own feeders and waterers, but eventually found it very worth another $35\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E for\u003C\/span\u003E a real metal waterer, beca\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euse of all the tim\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee saved washing out and refilling spilled and stepped in containers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Egot the day-o\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eld chicks in Apri\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003El, and finally one hen started to lay in \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Elate November, for just a short time before \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ew\u003C\/span\u003Einter set in. We did\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003En't get any regular egg production until the next February, after nearly 10 months \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eof coddling \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eour dear flock\u003C\/span\u003E. Those were exciting days, and we really loved collecting the multi-colored eggs once they\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E started coming\u003C\/span\u003E! \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rieoGENgtu4\/UR5dRWTvE-I\/AAAAAAAACPk\/5vIrE7H-yp0\/s1600\/01-28-2012-105612.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"easter egger fresh eggs\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rieoGENgtu4\/UR5dRWTvE-I\/AAAAAAAACPk\/5vIrE7H-yp0\/s640\/01-28-2012-105612.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter the first year, though\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ekeepi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eng chickens became more about production and less about their general cuteness- the novelty had worn off, and they \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebecame more practical \u003C\/span\u003Efa\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Erm animals, and less novelty pets. We had a couple of years of moderately good egg laying \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E- \u003C\/span\u003Eminus the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ew\u003C\/span\u003Einters, when we get hardly enough natural light in the Pacific Northwest to bother getting out of bed, much less laying an egg\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E We fin\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eally \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eadded a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ecoop light to encourage egg production, so that we w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eouldn't b\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee spending wi\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enters feeding non-productive hens.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe were so sure\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E, early on, that our chicke\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ens would pay for themselves in the end, with all the eggs we wouldn't have to buy, and with all the extras that we coul\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed sell. While we always had plenty of \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewilling buyers, it was rare tha\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et \u003C\/span\u003Ewe had enough extra to sell more than a dozen or two in a month, even during the summer when we had a total of 13 chickens. Yes, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ethree\u003C\/span\u003E of those were immature r\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eoosters\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E that\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E friend\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Es\u003C\/span\u003E had given us for t\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehe stew pot\u003C\/span\u003E, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et the rest \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewere laying \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9HJO0WD8DA\/UR5gVVWeEdI\/AAAAAAAACQE\/qZNh2xbWPmI\/s1600\/05-19%7C11:51:34.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"backyard chickens\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9HJO0WD8DA\/UR5gVVWeEdI\/AAAAAAAACQE\/qZNh2xbWPmI\/s640\/05-19%7C11:51:34.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBabies, during the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eir novelty days\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe shou\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eld have had a bustling egg business, but really all the hens were past their prime egg laying years. R\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eeally, there is only a small window between pullet (a \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eyoung chicken before she starts to lay) and old maid\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E (\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ewhen most people cull\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E their \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens to make room for younger layers).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor us, sustainable means not having to \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebuy replacements all the time. B\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ey this definition, city chickens are definitely not sustainable. If we could keep a rooster, \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eand let the \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ehens raise their own fertilized eggs into a new batch of chicks every year, then we could keep up the egg production without buying more \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ebirds all the time. But, ha\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eving to buy a new batch of chicks every two years, a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003End then coddle them for \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eten\u003C\/span\u003E mo\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Enths\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E before they really get into production makes no sense.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESome breeds lay \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eas early as five or six months\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E old\u003C\/span\u003E, bu\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et of course we bought the heirloom breeds that mature more slowly and \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eare \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Emore sensitive to the loss of light \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ed\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Euring the winter months\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIeT4aw3s6s\/UR5f4nWOvGI\/AAAAAAAACP8\/28Bo8DRloLs\/s1600\/04-27%7C09:43:53.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raising chicks\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIeT4aw3s6s\/UR5f4nWOvGI\/AAAAAAAACP8\/28Bo8DRloLs\/s640\/04-27%7C09:43:53.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EOur two year old, with \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eour\u003C\/span\u003E day\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E-old chick.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI will say that \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eraising chicks, and keeping hens,\u003C\/span\u003E was a really special experien\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ece.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EIt was fun for our kids to be able to handle the tiny wee chicks, a\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003End they've loved helping to take care of the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E hens\u003C\/span\u003E and collect eggs over th\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ee years. It was a great experiment, and we found it just didn't \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Ework out for us in the end.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFor more on this s\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Et\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003Eory, read part two\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E in this series-\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/hens-and-garden-tragedy.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHens and the Garden\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E;\u003C\/span\u003E A Tragedy\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4091376333143268267\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/the-economics-of-keeping-chickens.html#comment-form","title":"51 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4091376333143268267"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4091376333143268267"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2013\/02\/the-economics-of-keeping-chickens.html","title":"The Economics Of Keeping Chickens"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-MICNNVBKLtM\/UR5fN4qiCPI\/AAAAAAAACP0\/EDcYbybUs_Q\/s72-c\/06-17%7C09:56:16.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"51"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4724004163676785307"},"published":{"$t":"2012-12-02T14:00:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:26:38.998-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Candy Cane Lemons"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s1600\/candylemon.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s640\/candylemon.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eis the\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E time of year when candy canes come out of the woodwork. As a kid, we considered them an essential decorat\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eion for\u003C\/span\u003E our Christmas tree, but no one really like\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ed eating them. Pepp\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eermint candy canes are yummy, but maybe kind of boring. Here\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E, however, is a fun and delicious way of using some of those can\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Edy canes that \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewe seem to collect every December\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe learned this trick at the preschool my kids used to go to. My kids absolutely love \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ewhen we do candy cane lemons\u003C\/span\u003E, and it's bec\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Eome a holiday tradition\u003C\/span\u003E. It's kind of magical too how you can take a solid candy cane and it suddenly becomes a straw. Not only that, but lemon juice becomes palatable. Here's the trick:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZlaA8s1E1Wk\/ULvQY_U2eYI\/AAAAAAAACB8\/d3ocCr8zyeI\/s1600\/candylemonodin.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZlaA8s1E1Wk\/ULvQY_U2eYI\/AAAAAAAACB8\/d3ocCr8zyeI\/s640\/candylemonodin.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStart with one large lemon and one candy cane for each person.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, take \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ethe\u003C\/span\u003E lemon and roll it around, pressing firmly,\u0026nbsp;until it's soft. This is something the kids can work on, but then a grown-up can check to make sure the lemon has become soft. The pressing helps to release all the little jewels of lemon juice inside. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen the lemon is soft, use the tip of a knife to cut an \"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EX\u003C\/span\u003E\" in the side. This is where the peppermint straw will be inserted- but first, prep the candy cane:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V0xh9eo7bD8\/ULvQgb_BLpI\/AAAAAAAACCE\/UnWQqy9hE1k\/s1600\/candylemonloki.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemon\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V0xh9eo7bD8\/ULvQgb_BLpI\/AAAAAAAACCE\/UnWQqy9hE1k\/s640\/candylemonloki.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe candy cane simply needs both ends cut off so that there is just a straight section left, with porous ends. When ready, insert this into the lemon and suck away. The acids from the juice will hollow out the candy cane, and the candy will sweeten the juice. Together, a perfect and entertaining holiday treat!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-6_V6-OWsY1w\/ULvMBa2DQkI\/AAAAAAAACBY\/PlY7QoeEmMo\/s1600\/candylemonboys.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"candy cane lemons\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-6_V6-OWsY1w\/ULvMBa2DQkI\/AAAAAAAACBY\/PlY7QoeEmMo\/s640\/candylemonboys.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOdin, who does not like to let his hands get messy, holds his lemon in a cup\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E. They also could be w\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Erapped in a napkin to prevent dripping.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can also crush up the cut \"U\" e\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ends of the candy canes and use them to decorate holiday cookies or truffles. Enjoy these bright and festive treats!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4724004163676785307\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/candy-cane-lemons.html#comment-form","title":"51 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4724004163676785307"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4724004163676785307"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/12\/candy-cane-lemons.html","title":"Candy Cane Lemons"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PyUeyvRIsU\/ULvL4ZfoEsI\/AAAAAAAACBQ\/yzNsHXhBqEI\/s72-c\/candylemon.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"51"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8827716277033541875"},"published":{"$t":"2012-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:28:05.970-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"An Easy, Mostly Raw Dinner"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I was eating 100% raw foods, people would often ask me what on earth we ate for dinner, and how I fed my kids while eating raw myself, so I took some photos of typical meals that our family enjoys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s1600\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw fruits and veggies\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s640\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis meal includes fresh peaches, grapes, cherries, tomatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, and celery with peanut butter and raisins; raw cashews, dried figs, apricots, and currants, and four kinds of nut-based \"snack balls\" as we refer to them. The balls are variations on recipes for Victoria Boutenko's raw candy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese days, I'm eating more flexibly, but we still like this type of meal. My kids love having all the variety and options, and I love that not only is everything healthy and fresh, it's a super easy meal to make. These foods are naturally delicious and loaded with vitamins; we don't have to do much to them besides slice and arrange them on plates! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zq0Dlza757g\/T4w1gvILqVI\/AAAAAAAABfw\/KflA6K0O5Io\/s1600\/meal.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw food meal\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zq0Dlza757g\/T4w1gvILqVI\/AAAAAAAABfw\/KflA6K0O5Io\/s640\/meal.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAnother example of an easy, mostly raw dinner. Lots of fresh choices, including basil, tomatoes, cheddar, mozzarella, tofu, avocado, cucumber, orange, and grapes. We love eating this way!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBasically, whenever I'm making this dish I use whatever vegetables and fruits we have that can be enjoyed fresh, and add some cheese, sliced avocado, or tofu. I like to include thinly sliced zucchini or cucumber to take the place of crackers or bread, and either spinach or basil for a leafy green. I often serve this with a simple dip of balsamic vinegar \u0026amp; olive oil, my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/making-delicious-hummus-from-scratch.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehomemade hummus\u003C\/a\u003E, or this raw sprouted \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-sprouted-sunflower-seed-dip.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esunflower seed dip\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vr5RK_-sfWw\/UJu694R1aAI\/AAAAAAAACAs\/qO1CEW0u4vc\/s1600\/07-13-2012-181649.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw caprese salad\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vr5RK_-sfWw\/UJu694R1aAI\/AAAAAAAACAs\/qO1CEW0u4vc\/s640\/07-13-2012-181649.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe kids, making \"sandwiches\" with veggies \u0026amp; cheese in this variation of the classic caprese salad.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8827716277033541875\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/11\/an-easy-mostly-raw-dinner.html#comment-form","title":"19 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8827716277033541875"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8827716277033541875"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/11\/an-easy-mostly-raw-dinner.html","title":"An Easy, Mostly Raw Dinner"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-w7_uS1DfGKo\/TvE8EQXiypI\/AAAAAAAABH0\/Rr-7WBCAnzc\/s72-c\/08-03%257C19%253A04%253A21.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"19"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7624701788283396070"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-29T16:55:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:26:15.398-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Jelly Milkshake"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s1600\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"peanut butter and jelly milkshake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s640\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis is how we eat on hot days. No need to run the oven or stove. This is light and refreshing... Just take some cool fruit and blend! It's also a delicious, sweet treat instead of ice cream. The heavy cream gives it the richness of a milkshake, but substitute with any kind of milk if you prefer something other than dairy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis milkshake is tasty without needing any concentrated sweeteners. Bee pollen provides a bit of sweetening, but is way more nourishing and nutritionally balanced than honey. If you don't have any, you could substitute with honey, if desired. It would still be delicious with just the grapes and banana for sweetening, really, but I like adding bee pollen for its nutritional benefits.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou will need some frozen grapes and a frozen banana to make the recipe, so make those in advance if you haven't got them in stock. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIngredients:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 frozen banana (here's how \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/a-perfect-frozen-banana.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe freeze them to perfection\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 c frozen grapes \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c peanut butter (see how \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe make it ourselves here\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c heavy cream\u0026nbsp;(or 1 c alternative milk of choice)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 tb bee pollen (or honey, if desired)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 c water (use less water if using milk instead of cream)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBlend until creamy \u0026amp; smooth. Enjoy!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hf_nm7l9yoY\/UI8UCgMe4yI\/AAAAAAAACAI\/2qjTH14a1iI\/s1600\/07-15-2012-143237.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"peanut butter and jelly milkshake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hf_nm7l9yoY\/UI8UCgMe4yI\/AAAAAAAACAI\/2qjTH14a1iI\/s640\/07-15-2012-143237.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm posting an ad link to my favorite high speed blender below, perfect for making all kinds of delicious smoothies and healthy milkshakes. We've been loving it for years, and it looks like the price has even gone down since we bought ours. I'm also posting an ad link to the other leading high speed blender, for comparison. If you buy through my links, it helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;asins=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;linkId=IECJUOEFE67HSJFR\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;asins=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;linkId=PACXQBPHPQD5YVMY\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7624701788283396070\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/peanut-butter-jelly-milkshake.html#comment-form","title":"22 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7624701788283396070"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7624701788283396070"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/peanut-butter-jelly-milkshake.html","title":"Peanut Butter \u0026 Jelly Milkshake"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wFOhVaOQEzU\/UI8TYW3-pZI\/AAAAAAAACAA\/jxipWNowOqs\/s72-c\/07-15-2012-143251.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"22"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-677883594312252803"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-10T23:19:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:28:39.264-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Vacation From Toys"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOf course, we started out with the plan of having very few toys- just a select, manageable number of well-chosen, handmade toys, preferably from natural materials. That plan started to fall apart before our first baby was even born, when from all directions came the well-intentioned gifts.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s1600\/06-30-2012-180730.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"birthday party\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s640\/06-30-2012-180730.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAh, presents. We try to encourage experience gifts, but rarely does anyone take us up on that ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBabies don't need a lot of stuff, but in our culture, having a baby is a massive consumer event. It doesn't stop as they grow, either. Kids are fun to buy presents for, and giving gifts is a nice way to connect with family \u0026amp; friends. Plus, kids like to collect stuff. My youngest has had collections ranging from broken bits of safety glass, to hazelnuts found under his grandma's tree, to brightly colored plastic pellets collected in just about every park we've ever been to. He is unstoppable. He loves anything small and shiny.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AXlRa8y_ENA\/UHZZ21gdtuI\/AAAAAAAAB9Q\/OrQ8xwOcZZQ\/s1600\/08-02-2012-143922.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"orange and black caterpillar\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AXlRa8y_ENA\/UHZZ21gdtuI\/AAAAAAAAB9Q\/OrQ8xwOcZZQ\/s640\/08-02-2012-143922.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOdin finds all the tiny, beautiful things wherever we go.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWherever it all comes from, however it's collected or amassed, it's good to get away from it. Here is where vacations come in. On trips, no matter how long, we never pack a single toy. From short trips like an overnight visit to their great grandparents' house, to several days at the ocean, we only bring the essentials to keep ourselves comfortable, plus a camera for capturing memories. Bringing our own entertainment would seem redundant.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nsWwyJ1moPQ\/UHZa8ZeON-I\/AAAAAAAAB9Y\/MoBUbqpCCUs\/s1600\/08-11-2012-172023.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"dominoes on the lake\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nsWwyJ1moPQ\/UHZa8ZeON-I\/AAAAAAAAB9Y\/MoBUbqpCCUs\/s640\/08-11-2012-172023.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPlaying dominoes with grandma: This is how Loki wants to spend every vacation. It's really about connecting with each other.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe point, when traveling, is to experience a new place, and connect with people. Toys are a distraction and get in the way, but more specifically, they make it feel like you haven't gone anywhere. It would be like Nik \u0026amp; me bringing our computer. We can waste our time on it at home; vacations are sacred. It's good to get away from all our toys, and really experience our surroundings. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YrH4jWlfEq8\/UHZUEra1DbI\/AAAAAAAAB8Q\/dkKjRv-0MeY\/s1600\/08-01-2012-203126.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"campfire\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YrH4jWlfEq8\/UHZUEra1DbI\/AAAAAAAAB8Q\/dkKjRv-0MeY\/s640\/08-01-2012-203126.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe boys help chop up invasive scotch broom to burn. Without things like electronic handheld distractions, kids can be useful! Plus, they really experience their surroundings.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor the actual travel time, we don't need a portable dvd player. We have a car radio for a change of mood or lulls in the conversation. We have several sheets of song lyrics printed out, so Nik \u0026amp; I can annoy our kids with our favorite songs. We have all kinds of family car games in our arsenal, and we often make up new ones on the spot.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESome car games involve looking for letters of the alphabet on signs and license plates. We go through in alphabetical or reverse alphabetical order, finding every letter. A lot of miles pass before we get through every letter in order! On our last trip we made a game of finding all the colors of the rainbow in the scenery, adding several more that we thought should be included in our search, like metallics, and brown. My seven year old loves answering math questions, so we've spent a lot of car time coming up with different math problems for him. We also play a lot of \"20 questions\", though we never actually keep track of how many questions get asked. My kids love counting how many taxis of each color we see on every car ride- I can never believe how excited they are to see yet another taxi ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N3R7D3OFDaI\/UHZV1zjrAqI\/AAAAAAAAB8Y\/qN7O3O9Uhhs\/s1600\/08-19-2012-145806.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"road trip\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N3R7D3OFDaI\/UHZV1zjrAqI\/AAAAAAAAB8Y\/qN7O3O9Uhhs\/s640\/08-19-2012-145806.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYes, it's a long drive, but we can make it! Look out the window, talk, sing, fall asleep...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe car is a great time to just talk. The kids have each other to chat with. We talk about memories and things we are excited about, and Nik \u0026amp; I answer their questions about anything and everything.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENow, every family probably does these things sometimes, but I know a lot of kids come to expect a dvd every time they get in the car, and don't know how to handle a car trip without some Disney movie to watch. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat starts out as a luxury soon becomes a need. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI see car rides together as valuable time to connect with the kids, and it's so often squandered. Some important conversations happen in the car, and they will never have a chance if everyone is absorbed in a movie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlso, don't undervalue the joy of simply staring out at the surroundings. A view of an old farm, an open landscape, a forested road, or watching a mountain getting closer: these help to build excitement about the trip, appreciation for nature, and geographical knowledge as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NXGYlFE43Ig\/UHZcRvLLShI\/AAAAAAAAB9g\/JCyFD-VjQ7E\/s1600\/09-03-2012-105848.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watching clouds\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NXGYlFE43Ig\/UHZcRvLLShI\/AAAAAAAAB9g\/JCyFD-VjQ7E\/s640\/09-03-2012-105848.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFinding shapes in the clouds.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce at our destination, more often than not, there are things for kids to play with. Most likely any toys there are different than what we have at home, which in itself makes them interesting to my kids. If there are no toys, even better. As ubiquitous as toys are in our culture today, I often think of how kids played in past generations, where they might have only one doll during their entire childhood, or in other cultures even today, where the idea of marketing to children would be absurd because of extreme poverty.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThese kids still play. They might play with songs or stories, or they might wrestle or play hopscotch, or they might make use of other materials around the house or village, such as fabric or rocks or leaves. In fact, it has been argued that supplying our kids with tons of toys reduces their own power of imagination. They let the toys direct their play, rather than utilizing their own creativity.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ySGKHkwdNjQ\/UHZW7MUWGJI\/AAAAAAAAB8o\/6XixiMV_0EY\/s1600\/05-26-2012-123637.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sharpening a spear\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ySGKHkwdNjQ\/UHZW7MUWGJI\/AAAAAAAAB8o\/6XixiMV_0EY\/s640\/05-26-2012-123637.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOdin learns to use a knife while camping.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOn camping trips, the boys spend a lot of time whittling sticks or throwing rocks into rivers. It may sound dull, but it's amazing how many ways you can challenge yourself at rock throwing. There is the classic skipping stones, a pastime you could spend many hours at, finding the perfect stones and perfecting your throw. Also, a new game of ours is to send a leaf floating down the current, and then try to sink it with a well-aimed rock. It's challenging, and fun!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UwKOaWtOBck\/UHZXbwqgegI\/AAAAAAAAB8w\/v0Ke6cJj8yU\/s1600\/07-05-2012-111315.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"low tide\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UwKOaWtOBck\/UHZXbwqgegI\/AAAAAAAAB8w\/v0Ke6cJj8yU\/s640\/07-05-2012-111315.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EExploring what lives under the rocks at low tide.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe do bring a kite with us to the ocean. It's one of the few times we use it and unlike a lot of toys, a kite requires being out in the world and experiencing the weather and surroundings. We'd bring kayaks too if we had them! I do question whether the kite is even necessary though, since we can happily spend hours combing the beach, examining critters, shaping the sand, and following bird footprints in wild pointless loops.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VtaQ5bLbcFQ\/UHZnrRNBRLI\/AAAAAAAAB-g\/pdVDTQc7xYs\/s1600\/04-08%7C11:03:12.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flying our monster kite\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VtaQ5bLbcFQ\/UHZnrRNBRLI\/AAAAAAAAB-g\/pdVDTQc7xYs\/s640\/04-08%7C11:03:12.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhat if the weather's bad, or you're stuck for some other reason inside a motel room? I always bring a book for myself to read when I need some downtime, as well as a notebook to write in. For the kids, it's easy to bring a small stack of books, either favorites or ones they haven't read for a while, or a mix of both. Beyond books, we always find something to do, and it does not involve turning on the tv.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VnccFHNprqE\/UHZWjTudu3I\/AAAAAAAAB8g\/zJSkq0o-fec\/s1600\/07-10-2012-182714.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"making words with scrabble tiles\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VnccFHNprqE\/UHZWjTudu3I\/AAAAAAAAB8g\/zJSkq0o-fec\/s640\/07-10-2012-182714.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ELoki came up with this solo game of word making with a bag of letter tiles he found during some downtime at the cabin.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think often when people pack for trips they worry too much about preventing boredom, so they pack so many things into their bags and into their itinerary, that there is barely room for the real adventure of experiencing the trip, being flexible, and taking things as they come. A fully planned out itinerary may be fun to create, but when it comes down to it I think all that running around leaves people feeling more drained than before their vacation.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bAentU-EsZY\/UHZZYJ49iaI\/AAAAAAAAB9I\/03w2PxJ8amM\/s1600\/08-18-2012-140751.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"floating in the pool\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-bAentU-EsZY\/UHZZYJ49iaI\/AAAAAAAAB9I\/03w2PxJ8amM\/s640\/08-18-2012-140751.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ERelax.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI did a lot of backpacking when I was younger, and one of my favorite things about it was how exhilarating it felt to be able to carry everything I needed on my back. Perhaps the mark of a minimalist, it was liberating to discover I didn't need all that stuff back home. I loved that feeling and wanted to travel all the time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think there is a little minimalist in all of us, discontent with consumerism and our culture of too-much. When we vacation with less, we give our kids the space they need to become a little less attached to those things that normally fill their days, and realize life is still full. Maybe they can experience it a little more when they're not surrounded by stuff.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BXb32KkdjTU\/UHZeWvJSpbI\/AAAAAAAAB9o\/FocZ4d-3VrI\/s1600\/04-08%7C10:32:27.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"flying seagul\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BXb32KkdjTU\/UHZeWvJSpbI\/AAAAAAAAB9o\/FocZ4d-3VrI\/s640\/04-08%7C10:32:27.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/677883594312252803\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/vacation-from-toys.html#comment-form","title":"30 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/677883594312252803"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/677883594312252803"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/vacation-from-toys.html","title":"Vacation From Toys"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bzph3FSfQSQ\/UHZX2jnkyGI\/AAAAAAAAB84\/CSCp5-mxfSk\/s72-c\/06-30-2012-180730.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"30"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-7821438557093261566"},"published":{"$t":"2012-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:07:24.599-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Fresh Roasted Homemade Peanut Butter"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s1600\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanut butter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s640\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe stopped buying peanut butter, and all nut \u0026amp; seed butters, about a year ago, and determined to make them ourselves. After experimenting with several methods, we finally got it down. Here's how you can make a spreadable, lovely, rich \u0026amp; flavorful organic peanut butter at home.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E You control the ingredients so this will be the freshest peanut butter you can get- and you can really taste the difference!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe secret, we discovered, is giving the peanuts a very long time in a food processor. If you blend for just a couple of minutes, you will have a crumbly, dry nut butter that will barely stick to itself and be difficult to spread. Give it a few minutes more of your time and attention, and it will transform into a spreadable, creamy, perfectly textured nut butter. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStarting with raw peanuts and roasting them yourself will make a huge difference in flavor. Fresh roasted nuts are so delicious, and the quality of flavor declines with age. Roasting nuts without burning them takes a lot of dedication. There seems to be a fine line of doneness, which I often cross. One batch of peanut butter we made looked chocolatey, the nuts were so over-roasted (some might say burnt). I was ready to toss them to the chickens but we decided to give them a chance and, even though it was super dark, that batch of peanut butter still tasted really good! It had the slight bitterness of dark chocolate or coffee, but even my kids liked it. Still, I would not intentionally make them that dark! If you don't try to multitask while roasting them, they will turn golden brown and delicious.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NhQwIWtX-v8\/UDKVbF2bxkI\/AAAAAAAAB1U\/GlXhcZu-8KU\/s1600\/04-19-2012-095114.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanuts\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NhQwIWtX-v8\/UDKVbF2bxkI\/AAAAAAAAB1U\/GlXhcZu-8KU\/s640\/04-19-2012-095114.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo roast, place nuts in a pan in a 350 degree oven. Stir after about 8 minutes, and then stir more often after that, until they are done. Roasted nuts will get slightly darker, with split, dry skins. Even if they get a little brown, you will have a tasty peanut butter, but go for golden if you can.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe used to use a cookie sheet and roast the nuts in a single layer, as shown in the photo above. However, we found that it's just as effective, and a bit easier, to layer them more deeply in a cake pan. They might take more time in the oven this way, but you can roast tons more at a time, and stirring is easier in a deeper pan.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce roasted, let the nuts cool completely. You don't want the nuts to be hot in the food processor. Still slightly warm is OK. We have a 7 cup food processor, and I think it handles about 4 cups of nuts perfectly. Since we usually roast about a half gallon of nuts, we often blend in a couple of batches so we don't overfill the food processor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBe prepared to give them time in the food processor, including stopping periodically to scrape the sides with a spatula to make sure it's all getting incorporated. This takes patience \u0026amp; perseverance, but you will have some lovely peanut butter in the end, and have one less thing to buy that comes from some factory.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kVx6E-Sdzxs\/UDKVniIdOXI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/0-nepoh6Fi0\/s1600\/04-19-2012-095421.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"celtic sea salt\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kVx6E-Sdzxs\/UDKVniIdOXI\/AAAAAAAAB1c\/0-nepoh6Fi0\/s640\/04-19-2012-095421.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe usually add salt once the nuts are thoroughly macerated, but before they are truly creamy. We use Celtic sea salt. Choose whatever salt you like and add it gingerly. We add maybe a teaspoon of salt for every quart of nuts, but everyone has a different salt threshold. Start with this ratio, and add more if you like. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfOYMw54T9E\/UDKV1FGotWI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/B2yoTfdrAAg\/s1600\/07-05-2012-170345.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"fresh roasted peanut butter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfOYMw54T9E\/UDKV1FGotWI\/AAAAAAAAB1k\/B2yoTfdrAAg\/s640\/07-05-2012-170345.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen you blend it with patience \u0026amp; perseverance, you will be rewarded with a creamy, spreadable peanut butter, and a wonderful feeling of having made something so perfect from scratch. Try it with this \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/how-to-make-raw-berry-jam.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Esimple, raw blended fresh berry jam\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOrganic raw peanuts can be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7821438557093261566\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7821438557093261566"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/7821438557093261566"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/10\/how-to-make-fresh-roasted-homemade.html","title":"How To Make Fresh Roasted Homemade Peanut Butter"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QmL4m9obznU\/UDKVPgSjtaI\/AAAAAAAAB1M\/rL5Iu-rD3wY\/s72-c\/07-05-2012-170353.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8183298039686666316"},"published":{"$t":"2012-08-20T13:28:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-03-04T07:23:59.338-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EA few years ago I learned of the existence of reusable\u0026nbsp;glass drinking straws. For a minute I thought we just had to have them. We aren't even big straw users, but they were beautiful and I thought they'd be fun for our kids. After all, how can you make milk bubbles without straws? I can't abide anything disposable, so I thought these beautiful and simple glass ones would be perfect for our family.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EFortunately, I have a crafty partner who always helps me find a way around buying things. When I showed him the straws online, which would have cost\u0026nbsp;almost $30\u0026nbsp;for a simple set of four, he scoffed and said he could easily make some. The one drawback is that they wouldn't be glass, but I could deal with that.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s1600\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"stainless steel straws\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s640\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EHe simply bought a piece of stainless steel tubing, and then cut it to about 6\" lengths. The first cut was made with a pipe cutter, which makes a clean cut, but the blade was pretty much used up on that one straw. For the next three straws he used a hacksaw, and then sanded the edges smooth. He says if he were to make them again, he would use a circular saw, which would be a little easier.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy kids now use them every day for green smoothies, and occasionally for milk bubbles, and we don't create any plastic garbage. Nor do we ever have to buy straws again.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zNqVceEz0oc\/UDKYh0eicyI\/AAAAAAAAB1w\/KuGvL515GL0\/s1600\/08-09-2012-150509.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"stainless steel straw\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zNqVceEz0oc\/UDKYh0eicyI\/AAAAAAAAB1w\/KuGvL515GL0\/s640\/08-09-2012-150509.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIf you use a dishwasher, you can just toss them in, but we do pretty much everything manually around here ;) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI'd like to get a brush cleaner that could fit inside the straws, but for now Nik attached a small piece of rag to a length of sturdy wire, for a DIY straw cleaner. However, I find that if I just rinse them right away they clean up fine without the rag-on-a-wire setup. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOne major difference between these and disposable straws that you will notice is the weight. You won't want to use them in a delicate wine glass, for example. The six inch straws are perfect for our 3 or 4 inch tall glasses, but if you use pint glasses you would want to make them longer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8183298039686666316\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/diy-stainless-steel-drinking-straws.html#comment-form","title":"58 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8183298039686666316"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8183298039686666316"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/08\/diy-stainless-steel-drinking-straws.html","title":"DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-mW1-htrx-VE\/UDbdJsBCrFI\/AAAAAAAAB2k\/tNwEctvomGo\/s72-c\/08-23-2012-183859.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"58"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1504011800505959922"},"published":{"$t":"2012-07-14T19:13:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-21T10:15:06.358-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Grain-Free Black Bean Brownies"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s640\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWho would have thought these brownies, basically consisting of blended beans, cocoa, sugar, and eggs, would be so delicious? I know I never did. I'd read about them here and there, and finally decided to give them a try. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThey are absolutely fudgy and amazing\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E! They have a great texture. What's more, they are simple to make.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf I'm going to bother making something, it's got to be healthy, so I haven't actually made brownies in a long time. This was a nice change! I've brought these brownies to potlucks, where everyone was impressed that they were eating beans. You won't taste the beans! I've also found that this recipe works great to make black bean chocolate cake pops, for the 4 year old in all of us ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yxxhYl3BkEk\/UAIhnvcew2I\/AAAAAAAABxY\/BwOIm7m3Xmo\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183519.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yxxhYl3BkEk\/UAIhnvcew2I\/AAAAAAAABxY\/BwOIm7m3Xmo\/s640\/06-18-2012-183519.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe candied walnuts on top are a simple addition that makes them divine. Leave them out if you don't like nuts. My kids prefer them that way, but then, they are nuts ;) \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can start with canned beans, but I just cook extra beans when I make a batch of soup. After they're tender, and before adding anything to the soup, I remove the two cups of beans for this recipe. If you're using canned, I've read that it's best to rinse them so they don't have such a strong flavor. I haven't found that the beans need to be rinsed when cooked fresh.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oPgv5bUYNQE\/UAIg_DuuiPI\/AAAAAAAABxI\/YbPVDGdM33Q\/s1600\/06-18-2012-174543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownie batter\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oPgv5bUYNQE\/UAIg_DuuiPI\/AAAAAAAABxI\/YbPVDGdM33Q\/s640\/06-18-2012-174543.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe batter is so good you could make it into ice cream.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBlend together in food processor:\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 c cooked black beans, drained of all liquid.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2\/3 c sucanat, or sugar of choice\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/3 c cocoa, or carob powder\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E2 tb coconut oil, or butter\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E3 eggs, or flax seed egg substitute\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 1\/2 tb vanilla extract (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-everlasting-vanilla-extract.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Etry making your own\u003C\/a\u003E!)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/4 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPour into greased 8\"x8\" pan. Top with optional walnut topping, and bake at 350 until done- maybe 15 minutes. I stay near the oven so I can smell them, and when the top starts to crack, they're golden.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OGk_tgsE7Hs\/UAIgRQB6X4I\/AAAAAAAABxA\/q3zSyT40sbI\/s1600\/06-18-2012-174504.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"walnuts brownie topping\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OGk_tgsE7Hs\/UAIgRQB6X4I\/AAAAAAAABxA\/q3zSyT40sbI\/s640\/06-18-2012-174504.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOptional Walnut Topping:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1\/2 c walnuts, broken or chopped into small pieces\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E1 tb agave\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStir together in a bowl until nuts are coated in agave. Sprinkle over batter before baking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHOZNw3sWrA\/UAIhX5yAvRI\/AAAAAAAABxQ\/PufyoLCsUek\/s1600\/06-18-2012-183657.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"black bean brownies\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JHOZNw3sWrA\/UAIhX5yAvRI\/AAAAAAAABxQ\/PufyoLCsUek\/s640\/06-18-2012-183657.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEnjoy!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small; text-align: start;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1504011800505959922\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/grain-free-black-bean-brownies.html#comment-form","title":"43 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1504011800505959922"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1504011800505959922"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/07\/grain-free-black-bean-brownies.html","title":"Grain-Free Black Bean Brownies"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xOniqc4fczk\/UAIdlSYuTeI\/AAAAAAAABw0\/RrYjCJzDpE4\/s72-c\/06-18-2012-183727.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"43"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-557629296843678204"},"published":{"$t":"2012-06-07T11:14:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-04T18:49:02.534-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Roasted Asparagus With Mushrooms \u0026 Bacon"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-snMyNEf-tB0\/T9DpaTKMu0I\/AAAAAAAABrA\/hUX4sLPcGoo\/s1600\/05-23-2012-183846.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Roasted Asparagus With Mushrooms \u0026amp; Bacon\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-snMyNEf-tB0\/T9DpaTKMu0I\/AAAAAAAABrA\/hUX4sLPcGoo\/s640\/05-23-2012-183846.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis super quick, healthy, grain free dinner is so tasty, and smells amazing while it's roasting. I've been making it a couple of times a week lately, with all variety of vegetables. It's a great way to make any vegetables palatable to my children. They LOVE this meal!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI use half of a pack of nitrate-free bacon, so each package makes two meals, and each time I make it I use whatever vegetables will roast up nicely together. Tonight, it's asparagus \u0026amp; mushrooms! Other great combos I've made include broccoli \u0026amp; garlic, cauliflower \u0026amp; carrots, and potato \u0026amp; onion.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dnhtRry-sI8\/T9DnXEcEWgI\/AAAAAAAABqg\/lmpYus5VNlI\/s1600\/05-23-2012-180104.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped bacon\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dnhtRry-sI8\/T9DnXEcEWgI\/AAAAAAAABqg\/lmpYus5VNlI\/s640\/05-23-2012-180104.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFirst, chop the bacon. I  generally prefer using scissors for meat; they're just easy to handle  and then there's no cutting board to wash. Using half the bacon from a 1  lb package, separate the slices just so they're not stuck together,  then bundle them and cut into 1\/2\" pieces, directly into a deep baking dish. Mine is about 8\" x 13\" x 2\". Break up any clumps a bit so  the bacon is spread evenly.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBake in a 375 degree oven while you prep the veggies. If you're partial to crispy bacon, you might want to let the bacon brown just a bit before you add the vegetables, since the asparagus \u0026amp; mushrooms will cook relatively quickly. If you're using potatoes, they will need to cook just about as long as the bacon.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-d2nQQV1RJao\/T9DvGO3lAmI\/AAAAAAAABrU\/QK0kb1Wnd-g\/s1600\/05-23-2012-180622.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped asparagus\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-d2nQQV1RJao\/T9DvGO3lAmI\/AAAAAAAABrU\/QK0kb1Wnd-g\/s640\/05-23-2012-180622.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ERemove the ends from 1 lb of asparagus. Instead of using a knife, you can hold each stalk with two hands and snap the bottom off. It should break off the tough ends at just the right place. Chop the stalks into about 1\" lengths. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-O-ZQblbZgBA\/T9DoU5M4cRI\/AAAAAAAABqw\/ScdygIlhWRY\/s1600\/05-23-2012-180936.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped mushrooms\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-O-ZQblbZgBA\/T9DoU5M4cRI\/AAAAAAAABqw\/ScdygIlhWRY\/s640\/05-23-2012-180936.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EQuarter one 6 oz tub of mushrooms. Use portabellas, button, or whatever mushrooms you prefer. Add all the sliced veggies to the bacon, and stir to combine.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kzgxf6rNU10\/T9Dol_PIP1I\/AAAAAAAABq4\/GBQ8ZmEuNnk\/s1600\/05-23-2012-181128.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Roasted Asparagus With Mushrooms \u0026amp; Bacon\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kzgxf6rNU10\/T9Dol_PIP1I\/AAAAAAAABq4\/GBQ8ZmEuNnk\/s640\/05-23-2012-181128.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBake for about 10 minutes, until your veggies are tender.  Stir a couple of times during cooking so it cooks evenly and the  flavors mix. There won't be any leftovers ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aexX44JH7UU\/T9DtRM3u9BI\/AAAAAAAABrM\/8u9vabIvpU0\/s1600\/05-23-2012-184015.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Roasted Asparagus With Mushrooms \u0026amp; Bacon\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aexX44JH7UU\/T9DtRM3u9BI\/AAAAAAAABrM\/8u9vabIvpU0\/s640\/05-23-2012-184015.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/557629296843678204\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/roasted-asparagus-with-mushrooms-bacon.html#comment-form","title":"35 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/557629296843678204"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/557629296843678204"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/roasted-asparagus-with-mushrooms-bacon.html","title":"Roasted Asparagus With Mushrooms \u0026 Bacon"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-snMyNEf-tB0\/T9DpaTKMu0I\/AAAAAAAABrA\/hUX4sLPcGoo\/s72-c\/05-23-2012-183846.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"35"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4305873667701082990"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-31T22:22:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T07:32:10.489-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Eat the Peel"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe've all heard that there's more vitamins in the skin of an apple than in the rest of the fruit; I think that's pretty much true for all fruits and veggies. The same beneficial phytochemicals that protect plants from disease also protect our bodies, and it makes sense for the plants to concentrate their protective chemicals in their skins. Why throw all this away?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--awM7DqUiew\/T8hCxBDo-1I\/AAAAAAAABp0\/XlN7l-ovEbg\/s1600\/04-15-2012-191946.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"carrot slices\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--awM7DqUiew\/T8hCxBDo-1I\/AAAAAAAABp0\/XlN7l-ovEbg\/s640\/04-15-2012-191946.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere's no need to toss any part of this beautiful carrot!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFruit and vegetable skins are often peeled and tossed, avoided as unsavory because of their tougher texture and more bitter flavor. What is that bitter taste from? Probably all those nutrients. The plant  has to protect itself as it's growing, so it puts a god deal of  antioxidants on the surface; these same antioxidants are what keep us  healthy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI personally have never noticed whether a peeled carrot is  sweeter than a whole carrot. If you want a sweet carrot, buy local,  fresh produce, and don't bother peeling them. Freshly grown produce that  hasn't been shipped across the country, or the world, has amazing  flavor, with nutrients as well as water content intact, making it crisp and  delicious. In the same way that whole grains are better for you than something  stripped down to only starches, I think fruits are better for you in  their whole form than stripped down to only the sweet bits. In our family, anything we  can eat whole, we do.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SEXMkRrIYqk\/T8hDTsvLBSI\/AAAAAAAABp8\/4u70CNGjR30\/s1600\/04-15-2012-194026.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"chopped potatoes\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SEXMkRrIYqk\/T8hDTsvLBSI\/AAAAAAAABp8\/4u70CNGjR30\/s640\/04-15-2012-194026.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe peels of potatoes help to make them a balanced food. Why waste them? The eyes \u003Ci\u003Edo\u003C\/i\u003E need to be cut out if the potato is sprouting, though, because the sprouts are mildly toxic.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhy waste time peeling potatoes? Boil and mash up  the skins too, you can handle it. Or, just chop your potatoes and add them to soups, skins and all. This is way easier and more nutrient  dense than doing all that tedious peeling! What a timesaver to never have to peel a carrot, apple, or potato. Seriously, apple pies will still turn out delicious with the peels in there.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere's quite an array of fruits and vegetables that have an edible peel, and it's surprising how many of these commonly get stripped before consumption. Peaches, nectarines, carrots, potatoes, squash, kiwis, apples, cucumbers, and zucchinis... Sure, the peels add a bit of texture that might be weird at first, but chances are, if you're not a toddler, you can handle eating an apple with the skin on.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-90s06kmrsXk\/T4snjqwsrGI\/AAAAAAAABe0\/tjcLz3dP6Z4\/s1600\/kiwiclose.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"kiwi with the peel\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-90s06kmrsXk\/T4snjqwsrGI\/AAAAAAAABe0\/tjcLz3dP6Z4\/s640\/kiwiclose.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThe fuzz won't kill you.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EFor kiwis, the fuzz can be a bit much. We wash them under running water, rubbing some of the fuzz away and then drying them on a towel, which removes most of the tiny hairs. Slice whole, ripe kiwis up, removing the nubby ends, and enjoy! We do still peel kiwis for the kids, who, after all, have more delicate palates than we do. Peaches and apricots are fuzzy also, but in a much less distracting, and more kid-friendly, way. I think the peach fuzz is part of the experience of enjoying a peach!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-95WJXswrlC8\/T4snMHWmvOI\/AAAAAAAABes\/PiIN_-RjlrI\/s1600\/02-23-2012-160518.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"mandarin orange slices\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-95WJXswrlC8\/T4snMHWmvOI\/AAAAAAAABes\/PiIN_-RjlrI\/s640\/02-23-2012-160518.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYes, you can even eat mandarin orange peels!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe recently discovered that mandarin oranges are edible in their entirety! Nik and I were very excited to be able to eat the whole orange. The skins have quite a tart taste, but they're still enjoyable if you eat them along with the sweet fruits. My kids have not come around to liking mandarins with peels, but our bunnies will devour any peels the kids leave! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMost oranges do not have such palatable peels. Mandarins are unusually mild and sweet\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E; they don't produce the same strong oils as other types of oranges.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E Other varieties of orange peels are quite bitter, but can at least be used in teas.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kmGmRgpPSb4\/T8hD0GlLLjI\/AAAAAAAABqE\/KGECBg-gawI\/s1600\/butternuts.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"delicata squash\" border=\"0\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kmGmRgpPSb4\/T8hD0GlLLjI\/AAAAAAAABqE\/KGECBg-gawI\/s640\/butternuts.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EA baked delicata squash can be eaten right along with its peel, or the squash can be scooped out and then the peel can be filled with sliced tomato, sprouts, avocado, and mayonnaise for a bread-free sandwich!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you're eating  the peel of anything, o\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003Ene caveat is to make sure you're eating organic. That is, after all, where the bulk of pesticides and junk  will reside if your produce has been sprayed. If you are eating sprayed fruits or veggies, wash very  well, or peel if you must. Peels are porous, though, so sprayed fruit will not be completely free of pesticides even after peeling. Eat organic, local food whenever you can.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAlso, I should add that while I've heard of people who love to eat mangoes with the peel, I am allergic to an enzyme, urushiol, which is present in mango peels. Urushiol is the same enzyme that enables poison ivy and poison oak to give people contact rashes. For years I actually avoided eating mangoes because I didn't want to risk the blistering rash contact with the skin gave me. However, I've learned that if I carefully peel them, I can still enjoy the fruit. I can touch the peel with my hands, just not with my mouth. Not everyone is allergic to urushiol, but if you have ever had a rash from poison ivy or oak, you should avoid eating mango skins.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe still peel bananas, since they seem super bitter. If you can eat banana peels somehow, please let me know! Some peels just are horrid, like avocado skins. I'm not encouraging you to eat anything disgusting, after all ;) Trust your gut, but don't be afraid to try new, whole foods!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4305873667701082990\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/eat-peel.html#comment-form","title":"54 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4305873667701082990"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4305873667701082990"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/eat-peel.html","title":"Eat the Peel"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--awM7DqUiew\/T8hCxBDo-1I\/AAAAAAAABp0\/XlN7l-ovEbg\/s72-c\/04-15-2012-191946.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"54"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3695704891843635328"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-28T07:34:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:01:47.805-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Still Shampoo-Free: the Magic of Baking Soda \u0026 Vinegar"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s1600\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking soda and apple cider vinegar\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s640\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBaking Soda \u0026amp; Apple Cider Vinegar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOur family has been completely shampoo free since mid-2011 (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-my-family-went-shampoo-free.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eread here about how we did it\u003C\/a\u003E). Instead, we use a baking soda \u0026amp; water solution for washing, and diluted apple cider vinegar for the conditioning rinse. We are totally happy with the texture and cleanliness of our hair, and I really love having less junk I have to get at the store (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe never go to the store anymore\u003C\/a\u003E!) Also, the chemicals in even the more natural shampoos and conditioners are something we are all better off without.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAs far-fetched as this idea sounds to a lifelong shampoo\/conditioner user, it really works! Our family is composed of several hair types... we all have long hair, mine is very straight and tends to be oily, and Nik's is highly textured and tends toward dandruff. Both of us, as well as our kids, have had a great experience with the switch, and have absolutely no desire to go back to store bought, chemically-loaded products. I was amused, after my original post on our switch, to discover how many people we know that already use one or both of these on their hair. The secret is out! It's great stuff, don't be scared to try it ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI do have an update since my original article about ditching shampoo. At the time, I had switched to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emy homemade kombucha\u003C\/a\u003E for a conditioning rinse after washing with baking soda. It seemed like a reasonable substitute for apple cider vinegar, and I liked that since I make it myself, it was one less thing to buy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHowever, I discovered a problem after a while- the baking soda wasn't rinsing out completely, leaving traces of white powder in my hair. This was almost annoying enough to get me considering using regular shampoo again. Why was this happening? I realized it had never been a problem when I used apple cider vinegar rather than kombucha, so I went back to that, and the problem disappeared immediately.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI think the kombucha just doesn't have the same properties as apple cider vinegar. Vinegar, as well as closing hair follicles, giving hair shine and releasing tangles, reacts with any remaining baking soda, rinsing it completely away. Anyway, I'm pleased to report that, now that I'm back to baking soda wash with the ACV rinse, my hair is totally clean, healthy, and free of baking soda debris.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xcnksQzx6bo\/T8OIKN4zE_I\/AAAAAAAABpk\/u_UH2pdw7dU\/s1600\/04-23-2012-125711.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"shampoo free\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xcnksQzx6bo\/T8OIKN4zE_I\/AAAAAAAABpk\/u_UH2pdw7dU\/s640\/04-23-2012-125711.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EShampoo free family\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBaking Soda \u0026amp; Vinegar On The Go:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen I started doing hot yoga at our local Bikram studio, I briefly thought I may have to switch to shampoo and conditioner just so I could have something that travels easily so I could shower at the studio, but then I came up with this easy, portable solution:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zop3_gw79-M\/T8OE8OWXszI\/AAAAAAAABpQ\/PfhquRspr84\/s1600\/05-19-2012-114906.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking soda and ACV\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zop3_gw79-M\/T8OE8OWXszI\/AAAAAAAABpQ\/PfhquRspr84\/s640\/05-19-2012-114906.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E8 oz travel jars: All I needed to make this system portable.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI simply put one scoop (I'm down to 1\/2 t) baking soda, and a splash (maybe 1 tb) of vinegar into each jar, respectively. Make sure the jars are sealed tightly, and I'm all set to shower at the gym. In the shower, I add about a 1\/3 cup of water to the baking soda, wash my scalp with it, and then dilute the vinegar in the same way for rinsing my hair and scalp.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAny bottles that you feel comfortable traveling with would also work... just make sure the vinegar container won't leak. I did have this happen, and was worried I'd be stuck with a vinegary backpack forever, but the smell disappeared after about a day. Not too traumatic ;)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBaking soda and apple cider vinegar can both be purchased in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/whole%20raw%20cacao%20beans%20can%20be%20purchased%20in%20bulk%20from%20azure%20standard%2C%20a%20natural%20foods%20distributor.\/\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3695704891843635328\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html#comment-form","title":"113 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3695704891843635328"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3695704891843635328"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html","title":"Still Shampoo-Free: the Magic of Baking Soda \u0026 Vinegar"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GrpwtpcppoY\/T8OFiXSdjMI\/AAAAAAAABpY\/liy4o2kXWcw\/s72-c\/05-19-2012-114801.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"113"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2114508922702711638"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-19T13:06:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T08:10:37.160-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fermented"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Turn Any Juice Into Lacto-Fermented Soda"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VU2AoAwqFos\/T7egrYuovHI\/AAAAAAAABoM\/unXNpFBBvCI\/s1600\/grapess.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented grape soda\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VU2AoAwqFos\/T7egrYuovHI\/AAAAAAAABoM\/unXNpFBBvCI\/s640\/grapess.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAt Nik's suggestion, we lacto-fermented this standard, store bought grape juice that we had in our pantry from our grocery-shopping days (read about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehow we quit the grocery store\u003C\/a\u003E here.) The grape soda that resulted was exceptionally delicious, perfectly sweet and bubbly without being cloying like a canned soda. Plus, fermentation greatly reduces the sugar content in juices and increases the beneficial enzymes and lactic acid.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EI like that we took pasteurized juice off the shelf, a basically dead, sugar loaded food (it has no added sugar, but still) and brought it to life through natural fermentation. You really can ferment anything, any sweet liquid can be vitalized this way. Why drink plain old juice when you can make it bubbly, and \u003Ci\u003Emuch\u003C\/i\u003E better for you?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAs a kid, I always chose grape or orange flavors when we were given soda, so I am very excited to be able to make this healthy version. (We haven't tried making orange soda yet, but it's definitely on the list!) One of the things I've noticed with homemade sodas is that they can end up with a little bit of alcohol, some batches more than others. It's never enough that I would worry about my kids having a glass. The health benefits far outweigh any risk associated with this mild alcohol consumption. Most our sodas turn out quite \"soft\", but alcohol \u003Ci\u003Ecan\u003C\/i\u003E be a byproduct of this fermentation. If you want to make some actual wine, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/making-honey-wine.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere's my recipe for honey wine\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wkf_zXMvjVc\/T7et11oIcqI\/AAAAAAAABok\/mFt96mtdV7E\/s1600\/grape.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"lacto-fermented grape soda\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wkf_zXMvjVc\/T7et11oIcqI\/AAAAAAAABok\/mFt96mtdV7E\/s640\/grape.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHow to make lacto-fermented soda from juice:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EStart with any juice.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPlace it in a glass container. I generally use a gallon jar, but for the batch pictured above I fermented them in German beer bottles, because all my gallon jars were in use. This meant that when it was time to give them a stir, I would cap them and give a couple gentle shakes, since I couldn't fit a spoon in the bottle to properly stir them. Basically, anything goes with fermentation, although I always stick with glass or ceramic containers, since I don't want my fermentations leaching junk out of plastic or metal containers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EPour in some ginger bug, which is a natural soda starter, and helps safely ferment just about anything. All it takes is fresh ginger, sugar, and three days to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-make-ginger-bug-natural-soda.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emake your own by following these instructions\u003C\/a\u003E. Use about \u003Cb\u003E1\/4 c starter for every quart of liquid\u003C\/b\u003E that you're fermenting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qrxmpPSfTJM\/T7ejauqUcQI\/AAAAAAAABoY\/KR7nGSKZ78A\/s1600\/gingerbug.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ginger bug\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qrxmpPSfTJM\/T7ejauqUcQI\/AAAAAAAABoY\/KR7nGSKZ78A\/s640\/gingerbug.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EEverlasting Ginger Bug: feed it occasionally and it will last for ages\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ECover your fermenting jar with a cloth, so it stays clean but can still breathe. Stir this mixture twice a day, for three days. I always mark my calender so I don't forget which day to bottle it. The longer it ferments, the less sugar it will have in the final product. Also, a warmer room will cause the rate of fermentation to speed up. It's nothing to worry about, but having so many variables does make every batch of homemade soda mildly different: some sweeter, some more dry, and some way bubblier.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EAfter 3 days of fermenting, bottle it tightly and let it carbonate for 24 hours. I use spring-loaded German beer bottles because they seal so easily, but mason jars work as well. After 24 hours, refrigerate your soda. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long will risk explosion at this point, because this is when carbonation is building up in the bottle. While I've never had a bottle explode, I have had soda that fountained out like champagne when we opened it. It's better to avoid over-carbonating the soda!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou might also like to try \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/lacto-fermented-ginger-ale.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emy delicious lacto-fermented ginger ale recipe\u003C\/a\u003E, made from only ginger, sugar, and time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EFor more on making naturally fermented sodas, as well as a whole world of other fermentation ideas, check out the original source of my inspiration, two books by Sandor Katz. Both probably available from your local library, but also definitely worth owning. If you buy either through my ad links below, Amazon gives me a tiny bit of cash. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=1931498237\u0026amp;asins=1931498237\u0026amp;linkId=GUQNXQ2DQBF3XDWI\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=160358286X\u0026amp;asins=160358286X\u0026amp;linkId=I72SRFDXUTZ5I4TL\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2114508922702711638\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/how-to-turn-any-juice-into-lacto.html#comment-form","title":"117 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2114508922702711638"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2114508922702711638"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/how-to-turn-any-juice-into-lacto.html","title":"How To Turn Any Juice Into Lacto-Fermented Soda"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VU2AoAwqFos\/T7egrYuovHI\/AAAAAAAABoM\/unXNpFBBvCI\/s72-c\/grapess.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"117"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-2414597108857931824"},"published":{"$t":"2012-05-06T15:00:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:32:21.361-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Roasted Chickpeas For Snacks \u0026 Salads"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-n4vY6k-dOsQ\/T6aZTiATXEI\/AAAAAAAABkM\/x-xoim2yl6k\/s1600\/05-03-2012-141358.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"roasted chickpeas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-n4vY6k-dOsQ\/T6aZTiATXEI\/AAAAAAAABkM\/x-xoim2yl6k\/s640\/05-03-2012-141358.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEvery time I make hummus now, I cook up some extra chickpeas to roast in the oven. Roasted chickpeas are easy to make, and they're great in salads or just as a snack. A little container of them would be a healthy addition to a child's lunchbox. My kids gobble these up, and are always on me to make more if we run out.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo begin, cook up your chickpeas however you like, or use canned if you want. I soak and sprout all my beans and peas for a day or so. This is a completely optional step. To sprout your chickpeas, soak them overnight in filtered or\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-to-remove-chlorine-from-tap-water.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Edechlorinated water\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(click the link to see how I make this for all my sprouting) then sprout for about 36-48 hours, rinsing every 12 hours, until they grow tails about half as long as the bean. With sprouted chickpeas the cooking time is shorter, and sprouting also helps with digestibility.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-knEylsE18QA\/T6aaN4yKWFI\/AAAAAAAABkU\/f_kybByFUr8\/s1600\/04-26-2012-170823.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"sprouted chickpeas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-knEylsE18QA\/T6aaN4yKWFI\/AAAAAAAABkU\/f_kybByFUr8\/s640\/04-26-2012-170823.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EChickpeas after optional two-day sprouting\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce they're sprouted, I toss them in a crock pot, with water about an inch over the top of the peas. You can of course cook them on a stovetop, but I find that more labor intensive. I love the crock pot method because I can toss everything in and not think about it again for several hours. I cook them on low for probably 6 hours, but crockpots are very forgiving and have a large window of \"doneness\". \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhatever your method, cook until the chickpeas are tender. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hN17MBGHkkU\/T6abAizkQyI\/AAAAAAAABkc\/YGVwA84vQgc\/s1600\/05-03-2012-131604.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"crock pot chickpeas garbanzo beans\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hN17MBGHkkU\/T6abAizkQyI\/AAAAAAAABkc\/YGVwA84vQgc\/s640\/05-03-2012-131604.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen they are cool, separate the chickpeas from their liquid, as much as possible. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you are using canned chickpeas, this is where you jump in. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can use a slotted spoon or pour them through a colander. Rather than dumping it out, the cooking liquid can be used as a soup base, or added to enrich other sauces.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHeat the oven to 350, while melting some coconut oil or butter on a couple of cookie sheets. I use about two teaspoons of coconut oil on each of my small sheet pans. Just use enough to thoroughly coat the pan, with some extra to coat the peas. Feel free to use your favorite cooking oil. The first time I made these I used bacon fat, and they turned out supremely delicious.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWhen the oil is melted and spread over the pan, place the chickpeas on each tray. Having a small oven, I can only fit about 2 cups of chickpeas on each cookie sheet. If you have full-size cookie sheets, you will be able to cook more at a time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESprinkle the chickpeas with sea salt and pepper. I use about 1\/4 t salt and several grinds of pepper per tray. With a spatula, stir the chickpeas up and level them on the tray so they're evenly distributed. Feel free to use any spices or herbs that strike your fancy. They will be good no matter what you flavor them with! My family is happy with this simple version, but you could also experiment with curried chickpeas, and sesame tamari sound delicious as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBake at 350 degrees, for about 30 minutes. Stir with your spatula occasionally, and a bit more frequently during the second half of baking. I also rotate my pans partway through so they get heated more evenly. Remove from the oven when they look good. Remember, they're already cooked, so this roasting is just about lightly toasting the beans to add flavor and texture.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EHow long they cook can depend on what you're using them for; they get harder the longer they roast. For a salad, we like them still pretty soft so they are easy to fork. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QM9vzOOE-QI\/T6adEbMbBoI\/AAAAAAAABks\/VXFaejxuaXc\/s1600\/05-03-2012-141404.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"roasted chickpeas\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QM9vzOOE-QI\/T6adEbMbBoI\/AAAAAAAABks\/VXFaejxuaXc\/s640\/05-03-2012-141404.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EYum!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe purchase our organic garbanzo beans in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2414597108857931824\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/roasted-chickpeas-for-snacks-salads.html#comment-form","title":"42 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2414597108857931824"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/2414597108857931824"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/roasted-chickpeas-for-snacks-salads.html","title":"Roasted Chickpeas For Snacks \u0026 Salads"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-n4vY6k-dOsQ\/T6aZTiATXEI\/AAAAAAAABkM\/x-xoim2yl6k\/s72-c\/05-03-2012-141358.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"42"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3364664787347313086"},"published":{"$t":"2012-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T08:28:06.618-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s640\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis gift is wrapped in a small batik tablecloth and tied with a silk ribbon, probably from a bathrobe tie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn order to reduce waste (since \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html\"\u003Ewe no longer have garbage service\u003C\/a\u003E!) and never have to buy gift wrapping supplies, I used to save the wrapping paper from all our gifts, carefully folding it and removing the tape, mourning the bits that got torn, and then trying to hide the flaws when I reused the paper... I am pleased to say that I never have to worry about reusing paper wrapping these days. Fabric wraps are so much easier to reuse, and they don't show wear like paper does. They are harder to tape effectively, but proper folding and use of ribbons eliminates the need for tape anyway.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-10umfDBmEO8\/T4ubrlAk6ZI\/AAAAAAAABfE\/DWaHp0iqcdM\/s640\/04-15-2012-103434.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EThis one is wrapped in a fancy table runner \u0026amp; tied with a disco belt\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have always loved wrapping gifts, and these days the wrapping is often as much a present as what's inside. I have acquired a collection of used, scavenged, and repurposed scarves, saris, and tapestries, or even pretty cloth napkins or pillowcases, that work great for gift wrapping. Wrapped up in beautiful fabric, tied with a silk ribbon (or, often an old, beautiful belt from a robe, coat, or dress) these gifts can look very elegant. I love that there's no waste; I never cut anything and I never use tape. I just wrap, fold and tie.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8VlMkONeC_c\/T4ubGYofwZI\/AAAAAAAABe8\/b06QDZGxCgo\/s640\/04-15-2012-103704.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA sarong works great for wrapping this large boardgame.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'll often choose some lovely wrapping that I think the recipient will particularly appreciate, but frequently I just have to use whatever fabric will cover the gift well, especially if it's something large. I don't ask for the wrapping back, but sometimes people offer it if they don't want to use it themselves. However, I like the idea of this method catching on as the recipients of these gifts then wrap their presents for others in the same fabric. I've had some people excitedly ask me \"Can I keep the wrapping?!\" I always say yes!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tX0o5dwLJSU\/T4ud-qzYDGI\/AAAAAAAABfg\/RG7-zgLUKmQ\/s640\/04-15-2012-103842.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWrapped in a silk scarf and another robe tie\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course, if you have kids you probably have an abundance of fingerpaintings, drawings, and random art projects that can make great wrapping paper. I save any large, colorful or sparkly paintings for wrapping gifts. For these, I do break out the roll of tape. A gift for grandparents can be made extra special when it's decorated with kid's art. It also gives these paintings a new life, and your kids will probably enjoy seeing their art gracing some beautiful gifts.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s1600\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I9IP0Lcf3IY\/T4ueXfCgBbI\/AAAAAAAABfo\/-0EtnbudNu4\/s640\/04-15-2012-103749.JPG\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA repurposed painting with a bit of Gris Grimly's art glued on.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3364664787347313086\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html#comment-form","title":"39 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3364664787347313086"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/04\/rethinking-gift-wrapping.html","title":"Rethinking Gift Wrapping"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-CnlKacFXV7g\/T4uc_PZmKrI\/AAAAAAAABfY\/B0Qh_9UW45A\/s72-c\/04-15-2012-103501.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"39"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-8467570093240306257"},"published":{"$t":"2012-03-26T07:13:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:30:30.721-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Preservation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"You Don't Have to Go to the Store"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EUnless you live in some town with a truly great natural food co-op that really benefits the community (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.olympiafood.coop\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EOlympia Food Co-op\u003C\/a\u003E, I'm talking about you) there is really no virtue in going to the grocery store. For most of us, our food buying options include a selection of major chain stores, most of which now host a small section of natural foods... but the money you spend there doesn't stay within your community. A tiny portion of their income is used to pay the employees, sure, but the vast majority is siphoned right out of your world and into the pockets of CEO's who certainly don't need your money.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-thTTb9yq2PY\/T3BzOquUONI\/AAAAAAAABdo\/1N6upbtcI84\/s1600\/03-13-2012-153542.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"groceries from our produce CSA\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-thTTb9yq2PY\/T3BzOquUONI\/AAAAAAAABdo\/1N6upbtcI84\/s640\/03-13-2012-153542.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ESo, what other options are there? You know about farmers' markets. In some communities, they are available year round, daily or several times a week, which is wonderful! With our local farmers' market only open once a week during certain months of the year, we don't find that to be a convenient option most of the time, so for the last year we've shopped from a local Tacoma-based company, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/terra-organics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETerra Organics\u003C\/a\u003E, that delivers a fully customizable CSA (Community Supported Agriculture- we essentially buy a share of a farm's production each year). Along with the CSA, this distributor will deliver any fresh fruits and veggies that we'd like, chosen from their website each week. They are all organic, and the website tells us the state or country of origin so if we only want locally grown, or only US grown foods, it's easy to do. At a brick \u0026amp; mortar store it's discouraging trying to check everything for it's source. Also, their website has more varieties of organic produce than I've been able to get anywhere else.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BQ8krJi4PTI\/T3BzXxelzPI\/AAAAAAAABdw\/3s04m3FlSjk\/s1600\/03-13-2012-153631.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"produce from our CSA\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BQ8krJi4PTI\/T3BzXxelzPI\/AAAAAAAABdw\/3s04m3FlSjk\/s640\/03-13-2012-153631.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThere are tons of CSAs available, and I'm sure many of them are fully customizable like ours. With the first two CSAs that we tried though, it was \"you get what you get\" each week, and even though we only had a half-share, we were getting more of certain veggies than we knew what to do with (this was before I knew how to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/drink-your-veggies.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eturn an armful of greens into a delicious smoothie\u003C\/a\u003E!) When you grow some of your own food, a customizable CSA is even more important, since you don't want a weekly delivery of a bunch of stuff you're already growing in quantity. Besides not getting a bunch of stuff you don't know how to, or even want to, use, the other advantage of a customizable order is that your trips to the grocery store will become very reduced, since you can usually get all the produce you need this way. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-COKp5dB_XBI\/T3BzhGhG7tI\/AAAAAAAABd4\/67UIzyhlIG4\/s1600\/03-13-2012-153656.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"organic produce from our CSA\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-COKp5dB_XBI\/T3BzhGhG7tI\/AAAAAAAABd4\/67UIzyhlIG4\/s640\/03-13-2012-153656.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe literally get all our fruits and veggies (besides the few that we manage to grow-- still working on developing our urban farm) from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/terra-organics.com\/HowitWorks\/tabid\/91\/Default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETerra Organics\u003C\/a\u003E each week (tell 'em Mellow sent you and we'll both get a discount when you sign up!) They have several types of boxes available, but all of them are customizable. We get the \"Pacificic NW\" box, so we can at least start out local (I still order mangoes, avocados, and bananas each week, and I probably will as long as they keep trucking them in!)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EMost of the rest of our foods come from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, an Oregon based supplier of natural foods. For a minimum monthly purchase, they deliver to our local drop location with no handling fee. Our pantry has been completely transformed through shopping at Azure; while they do sell things in small amounts, it's cheaper per pound to buy in bulk, so we end up buying grains, seeds, beans, as well as salt, sugar, and baking soda, and food for our chickens \u0026amp; bunnies, in huge 20, 30, or 50 lb sacks. My pantry used to be stocked with tons of packaged food, cans and boxes of things from the grocery aisles; now I've got these simple white buckets stacked and labeled, full of the pure whole foods that I prefer to be eating.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7O17TrClz-Q\/T3ByeHsSSBI\/AAAAAAAABdg\/meY4I4URsHA\/s1600\/03-23-2012-151851.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"pantry with bucket storage\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7O17TrClz-Q\/T3ByeHsSSBI\/AAAAAAAABdg\/meY4I4URsHA\/s640\/03-23-2012-151851.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ENik just built these great shelves for our pantry, which is really just a cool, dark corner of our garage.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe are saving a great deal of money, and eating far  healthier than we did when going to the grocery store was a weekly  occurrence for us. We make everything from scratch rather than being  tempted by packaged convenience foods. If we want something, we figure out how to make it rather than driving over to the store to pick up some overpackaged, overpriced, factory produced food product. They're only trying to replicate homemade; we can make the real thing. In addition, we produce almost no garbage now that we're not shopping at a grocery store, which is good because \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/how-we-ditched-our-garbage-service.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe ditched our garbage service\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EEvery two or three months we still head to Trader Joe's for a ridiculous amount of cheese and butter, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/p\/natural-raw-cat-food.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ea whole chicken for our cat\u003C\/a\u003E, and a tiny cup of free coffee. We haven't eliminated the grocery trip altogether, but it sure beats the weekly trip to the store we used to make for fresh produce and everything else.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8467570093240306257\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html#comment-form","title":"68 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8467570093240306257"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/8467570093240306257"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/03\/you-dont-have-to-go-to-store.html","title":"You Don't Have to Go to the Store"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-thTTb9yq2PY\/T3BzOquUONI\/AAAAAAAABdo\/1N6upbtcI84\/s72-c\/03-13-2012-153542.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"68"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1033154607344836688"},"published":{"$t":"2012-02-02T21:30:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-11T12:28:53.351-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cleaning Products"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How My Family Went Shampoo-Free"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EYou don't have to buy shampoo. Or conditioner. These are products that I thought I could never go without until several months ago, when I first heard about this thing called \"no-poo\". Since that is a horrible name, I just call it \"shampoo-free\".\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EIntrigued by the idea of being free from one more product, I did an internet search to find out exactly how this works. I have naturally oily hair and really don't like it feeling or looking dirty, so I was a bit skeptical that this would work for me. However, I read stories from so many people who had successfully ditched shampoo that I had to try it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-eRdKrB3_wi4\/TytmqTHvZ2I\/AAAAAAAABVE\/COENHTSE-bY\/s1600\/bs.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"baking soda shampoo\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-eRdKrB3_wi4\/TytmqTHvZ2I\/AAAAAAAABVE\/COENHTSE-bY\/s640\/bs.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBaking soda cleans gently, but cleans well. Everyone seems to be skeptical at first, but baking soda will not leave your hair feeling greasy or overly dry.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat I could have done:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI found that there are two ways of scrapping shampoo: switching to just water washing, or using a dilute baking soda solution in the shower. With the plain water method, you have to deal with the consequences for a while as your hair \u0026amp; scalp adjust to the sudden lack of chemicals. It may be very oily and disgusting for a few weeks, but in the end you will be product-free. While this is an admirable goal, I could not deal with nasty hair for weeks during the transition off shampoo.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat I actually did:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo spare myself weeks of uncomfortable, oily hair, I went with the other option. I started out, to be safe, using two tablespoons of baking soda each time I washed my hair. I simply put it in a shatterproof plastic cup, bring it with me into the shower and fill halfway with warm water when I'm ready to wash my scalp. I mix it together until dissolved, pour it on my scalp, and massage it in. It's different than shampoo, since it's not goopy and won't produce any suds--but you are not dirty laundry, you don't need detergent on your skin. The amazing thing is how clean the baking soda gets my hair and scalp. It rinses away easily, leaving my hair fresh and clear. I was worried baking soda would be too harsh and leave my hair feeling scrubby and brittle, but I haven't had that experience at all.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI gradually reduced the amount of baking soda I used, and am now down to one teaspoon in a half cup of warm water. Really, that's enough to get clean hair. Nik went cold-turkey right away, because he is a million times braver than I am, and for two months he washed his hair with water alone. He did develop dandruff though, which we were hoping was a temporary condition as his scalp adjusted, but eventually he decided to give the baking soda a try. When he did, his dandruff completely and immediately disappeared. His thick curly hair is amazingly clean and shiny.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AqC8YY8AyVE\/TytuxEoiv-I\/AAAAAAAABVc\/YxZK45-okf8\/s1600\/hairies.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"clean hair without shampoo\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AqC8YY8AyVE\/TytuxEoiv-I\/AAAAAAAABVc\/YxZK45-okf8\/s640\/hairies.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"468\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETo condition your hair:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEveryone in my family has long hair, and I had serious doubts about our ability to go without conditioner, without suffering some serious snarls. I was pleasantly surprised here as well. The replacement I discovered for conditioner is very diluted apple cider vinegar. I don't like the smell of vinegar, and certainly didn't want to reek of it, so I was a bit skeptical. Also, I have always relied on special conditioners in order to get tangle-free hair. In fact, while I only buy the most natural products for everything else, I have often made an exception for conditioner because I've found that the natural ones just don't work as well.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZWWjUtQwld8\/TytoZawWJhI\/AAAAAAAABVM\/5O-_GQBjf4A\/s1600\/bragg.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"ACV apple cider vinegar for hair\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZWWjUtQwld8\/TytoZawWJhI\/AAAAAAAABVM\/5O-_GQBjf4A\/s640\/bragg.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy concern that vinegar couldn't possibly work as a detangler kept me from trying this method for a while. However, there is something magical about vinegar. It's like duct tape: you can use it for anything. Pouring a diluted solution down my hair in the shower and working it in a bit is all it takes for amazingly tangle-free shiny hair. Also, the vinegar smell completely rinses away.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EA conditioning alternative:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EAfter using apple cider vinegar for a little while, I got experimental  and decided to give \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/make-your-own-kombucha.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emy homemade kombucha\u003C\/a\u003E a try in its place. It works just as well,  and the advantage is that I can make it myself at a fraction of the cost  of buying vinegar... which is already extremely inexpensive compared to  even cheap conditioners. It's definitely a win. (Update: please \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eread here my more recent post on kombucha vs. ACV\u003C\/a\u003E for hair.)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E  \u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JDOpv5_kvJ0\/Tytsq_HubsI\/AAAAAAAABVU\/CwmcMyYlWqM\/s1600\/09-08%7C11:29:13.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"clean hair without shampoo\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JDOpv5_kvJ0\/Tytsq_HubsI\/AAAAAAAABVU\/CwmcMyYlWqM\/s640\/09-08%7C11:29:13.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EWe wash our kids' hair with water alone and it works beautifully\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis small change feels so much more natural and sustainable to me than being dependent on store-bought shampoo and conditioner. And while there are many recipes and guides to making your own health and beauty products, for me the most liberating thing is finding that we can do without them at all.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI also figured out how easily to make this system portable, for showering away from home. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/05\/still-shampoo-free-magic-of-baking-soda.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERead about it in this update\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWe purchase our apple cider vinegar and baking soda in bulk from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azurestandard.com\/?a_aid=z10mym6FoA\"\u003EAzure Standard\u003C\/a\u003E, a natural foods distributor. Below are Amazon Affiliate Ads. Any purchase made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1033154607344836688\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-my-family-went-shampoo-free.html#comment-form","title":"85 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1033154607344836688"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1033154607344836688"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/02\/how-my-family-went-shampoo-free.html","title":"How My Family Went Shampoo-Free"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-eRdKrB3_wi4\/TytmqTHvZ2I\/AAAAAAAABVE\/COENHTSE-bY\/s72-c\/bs.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"85"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-3617847341771272536"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-22T09:11:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T15:50:24.869-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Treats"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Recipe For Raw Apple Cereal"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZjktCJUK45Y\/Txw8BIiT0OI\/AAAAAAAABT8\/aVBLa4te-Do\/s1600\/applecbest.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw apple muesli\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZjktCJUK45Y\/Txw8BIiT0OI\/AAAAAAAABT8\/aVBLa4te-Do\/s640\/applecbest.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI make this cereal the night before we want to eat it, so the oats have time to soften and the flavors can blend. It's really easy to make, and so fresh, light, and delicious! If making this for one person, the recipe is easily cut in half, though leftovers will\u0026nbsp;keep fine for a couple of days in the fridge.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EIngredients: \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 apples, cubed\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 t lemon juice \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c thick cut oats\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c raisins, currants, goji berries, or a combination\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 t honey or agave (optional)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 t cinnamon\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/8 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gEUb5Un9hqw\/Txw-DZQk0MI\/AAAAAAAABUE\/cGrK15rkcvk\/s1600\/apples1.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"apples for cereal\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gEUb5Un9hqw\/Txw-DZQk0MI\/AAAAAAAABUE\/cGrK15rkcvk\/s640\/apples1.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EProcessing the apples with lemon juice keep them from oxidizing\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ETo begin, blend apples with lemon juice in a food processor, until fairly small. Some larger chunks are fine, but stop before it's apple sauce or it won't have much texture.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EStir apples together with everything else. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight to soften the oats and mingle the flavors.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-x6ETmBE931w\/TxxCXwS-kII\/AAAAAAAABUM\/CyswS1vN1G0\/s1600\/applec.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"raw apple cereal\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-x6ETmBE931w\/TxxCXwS-kII\/AAAAAAAABUM\/CyswS1vN1G0\/s640\/applec.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EServe alone, or try it with sliced bananas, milk, kefir, or yogurt.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI don't think this recipe is really picky about which apples you use. I generally buy whatever interesting variety is cheapest: gala, cameo, pink lady, honeycrisp, or braeburn. The lemon keeps the apples from turning brown during the long soaking.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis is really a great, healthy breakfast or snack. My son says it's better than boxed cereal, which we've stopped getting in favor of more cost effective and nutritious choices.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow I'm linking to some related Amazon ads; any purchases through them helps support my family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3617847341771272536\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/recipe-for-raw-apple-cereal.html#comment-form","title":"33 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3617847341771272536"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/3617847341771272536"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/recipe-for-raw-apple-cereal.html","title":"Recipe For Raw Apple Cereal"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZjktCJUK45Y\/Txw8BIiT0OI\/AAAAAAAABT8\/aVBLa4te-Do\/s72-c\/applecbest.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"33"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-6905573545301129469"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-19T18:32:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T15:58:30.983-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dairy Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gluten Free"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Paleo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Raw"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Recipes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Remedies"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Urban Farming"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How To Make Raw Kale Chips"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThere's something so lovely about watching my kids scarf down a whole bunch of kale. When it's in the form of raw, dehydrated kale chips, they do this with gusto.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jlINd3AEjp4\/TxjKRPR6PMI\/AAAAAAAABTM\/5USEekwH6a4\/s1600\/chips.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jlINd3AEjp4\/TxjKRPR6PMI\/AAAAAAAABTM\/5USEekwH6a4\/s640\/chips.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ECrispy and full of flavor, these make such a great snack!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI have seen the prices that these things sell for if you were to buy them, it's crazy. It probably works out to about three chips for a dollar. You can make a whole batch yourself for a little more than the price of a bunch of kale.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMaking these \u003Ci\u003Eis\u003C\/i\u003E a little bit of a production, but it's worth every minute. Really it's only 3 steps:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPrep the greens\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBlend the sauce\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMix well and load into dehydrator\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI love a recipe that accommodates improvisation well, and this one really does. If a recipe is too picky, I have a hard time because I really like to use what I have on hand. I have made dozens of batches of these chips, with all varieties of sauce, and they always turn out so good.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4pqkcrMxY28\/TxjPlM3yQOI\/AAAAAAAABTc\/4UuFe2oAmfs\/s1600\/kaleleaves.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4pqkcrMxY28\/TxjPlM3yQOI\/AAAAAAAABTc\/4UuFe2oAmfs\/s640\/kaleleaves.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThe Kale:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EUsing a whole bunch of clean, dry kale, remove stems (which are too tough and fibrous for dehydrating nicely) and cut or tear into chip size pieces. My kids enjoy the long skinny pieces; make them whatever shape works for you. I like to use dinosaur kale, also called Lacinato, but red kale and curly kale work fine. In my experience, the red Russian kale is too tender for dehydrating, it becomes very brittle. I have tried other greens, such as collards, and they just don't hold up in the dehydrator as well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPlace prepped kale in a large bowl.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xqIm_Zs01SE\/TxjPP58JXII\/AAAAAAAABTU\/-IbrrgjWoWY\/s1600\/chipsauce.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xqIm_Zs01SE\/TxjPP58JXII\/AAAAAAAABTU\/-IbrrgjWoWY\/s640\/chipsauce.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThe Sauce:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1 cubed sweet potato\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c agave or honey (optional)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 Tb raw coconut oil\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c apple cider vinegar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E2 t sea salt\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E3 cloves garlic\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2-1 onion\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/4 c nutritional yeast\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E1\/2 c water (more if needed to blend to creamy sauce)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EA high speed blender is perfect for making this creamy sauce, but a having some chunks in there is totally fine, they will become very small in the dehydrator, so a standard blender will work as well. Blend all ingredients until creamy; pour over kale.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NkvaWFp3VEY\/TxjQF2x0hWI\/AAAAAAAABTk\/zXKxy14XhI4\/s1600\/kalechips.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"kale chips before dehydrating\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NkvaWFp3VEY\/TxjQF2x0hWI\/AAAAAAAABTk\/zXKxy14XhI4\/s640\/kalechips.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003ECoat \u0026amp; Dehydrate:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EWith a clean hand, mix the kale with the sauce until both sides of every piece are fairly well coated, then lay them in a single layer on mesh dehydrator trays. I dehydrate them overnight at 105°. They can be done in as little as six hours. They are done when completely crisp, and will keep in a sealed container for a few weeks as long as they stay dry. If they become a bit soft or stale, they can be crisped up again with a short stint back in the dehydrator.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-tSU3l-Psgag\/TxjQZkBudXI\/AAAAAAAABTs\/eQYVJ1QcUxI\/s1600\/eatingkale.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"kids eating kale chips\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-tSU3l-Psgag\/TxjQZkBudXI\/AAAAAAAABTs\/eQYVJ1QcUxI\/s640\/eatingkale.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy kids enjoying kale chips fresh off the dehydrator tray!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003EInterested in upgrading to a high speed blender? I don't go a day without using my Blendtec, often twice. Once you try a truly powerful blender, you will never go back! I'm posting the ad link below to my beloved Blendtec, as well as the other leading brand, Vitamix, for comparison. Please check it out if you're interested. Every purchase through my ad link helps provide us with a little bit of income.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;asins=B000GIGZXM\u0026amp;linkId=VDFCU37GVLF6PKRV\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Ciframe frameborder=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822\u0026amp;OneJS=1\u0026amp;Operation=GetAdHtml\u0026amp;MarketPlace=US\u0026amp;source=ac\u0026amp;ref=tf_til\u0026amp;ad_type=product_link\u0026amp;tracking_id=lifeunpro-20\u0026amp;marketplace=amazon\u0026amp;region=US\u0026amp;placement=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;asins=B008H4SLV6\u0026amp;linkId=BK33F3QDCKXVCLZ5\u0026amp;show_border=true\u0026amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true\" style=\"height: 240px; width: 120px;\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6905573545301129469\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-raw-kale-chips.html#comment-form","title":"55 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6905573545301129469"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/6905573545301129469"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/how-to-make-raw-kale-chips.html","title":"How To Make Raw Kale Chips"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jlINd3AEjp4\/TxjKRPR6PMI\/AAAAAAAABTM\/5USEekwH6a4\/s72-c\/chips.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"55"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-4704926792196455822"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-06T17:54:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T16:40:54.787-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Unschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Unschooling Life"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EEvery once in a while I read a book that changes everything, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.freechild.info\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EParenting a Free Child\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E by Rue Kream is one of those. Before reading this book, I would have said our kids are already free, certainly compared to the majority of kids who are in school all day long, being told what to do and when. We unschool, so aren't enforcing any kind of curriculum on the kids at home, while they happily learn all day long doing activities for the most part of their own choosing. Nik \u0026amp; I are very flexible and we only make rules that make sense and are in the children's best interest... but we make SO many rules! Apparently I am something of a control freak; it always seems simple and efficient to declare a rule about something from on high, but rules made in this way are solely intended to make adult lives easier. They do nothing for the kids except to make them feel controlled. Resentment builds in relationships where one party exerts dominance over the other.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThis book reminded me that it's possible to trust kids to make the right choices, that if you discuss things with them and give them respect, they will be respectful. Children are wise and kind and lovely, they are not ignorant and rude and needing to be controlled.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7kMKi8E2wQQ\/TweeemV8XlI\/AAAAAAAABOw\/PAAf3_1taoM\/s1600\/Odinstove.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"happily unschooling\" border=\"0\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7kMKi8E2wQQ\/TweeemV8XlI\/AAAAAAAABOw\/PAAf3_1taoM\/s640\/Odinstove.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOne issue I have had with how I saw \"radical unschooling\" was that I didn't like anyone saying there is one right way to unschool. Every family is different, and I saw unschooling as a way of meeting the needs of each family in whatever way works for them. \u003Ci\u003ERadical\u003C\/i\u003E unschooling, however, seemed to have a narrower definition and a lot of rules to follow in order to \"do it right\". Rules like: no bedtimes, no limits on candy or TV, no telling the kids what to do, ever. These were not things I felt like would be advantageous to our family.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI still have an issue with unlimited junk food and TV. They are both  designed to be highly addictive, and both are pretty much bad for  you. We don't think it's reasonable to eliminate sugar--they go out in  the world and want to eat what their friends and family are eating, and  we don't make a big deal about any of it. Also, the kids have a huge  supply of Halloween candy that they enjoy organizing, counting, and  collecting. They currently have a deal that Nik \u0026amp; I  came up with (after reading this book, in the future we will come up  with these arrangements \u003Ci\u003Ewith\u003C\/i\u003E the kids, not for them) where they  get 1 hour of screen time each day, and they can trade it for up to 3  pieces of candy if they choose to. Although they have total access to the candy, they never eat it inappropriately, which I  think shows that they feel the arrangement is very reasonable. It gives  them a lot of control over their choices each day. I know that Loki likes having a limit on candy, because it ensures  that they won't run out before next Halloween, and that is an important  goal for him.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI'm not ready to let go of the restraint on screen  time. It's something Nik \u0026amp; I will have to explore with the kids in  the future. I grew up on sitcoms, and I feel that between school and  television, that was many years of my life wasted.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-knRdA2nQ8m8\/Twftk6iBRrI\/AAAAAAAABPA\/Ir3WPo0H_r0\/s1600\/lokiwaterplay.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"our unschooled child\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-knRdA2nQ8m8\/Twftk6iBRrI\/AAAAAAAABPA\/Ir3WPo0H_r0\/s640\/lokiwaterplay.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"467\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThe other issue I had with radical unschooling was that it seemed like parents were expected to give up their responsibility as parents. (And, yikes, to give up control.) To frolic with the kids instead of making sure their teeth got brushed, to follow every whim of the child instead of teaching responsibility. What this book has reminded me, though, is that you don't have to make top-down rules in order to teach anything. The only thing rules teach is that kids can't be trusted to follow their own intuition, planting the idea that children are bad and will go astray if left to their own devices. In addition, they grow up worrying about breaking rules, or if they're not particularly keen on following rules, they worry about getting caught. Neither state enhances your parent-child relationship in any way.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ERules from a position of power are always for the grownup, and only give the appearance of being effective. What works in the long term is coming to decisions together; if our kids help to make informed decisions about how something is to be done, how a toy is to be treated, what to eat, or whatever, they are going to feel better about the whole thing, rather than looking for a way around the rule or feeling resentful for being told what to do.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ESo if it's not the parent's job to create and enforce rules, what's left for us to do? Is this not just a lazy parenting method? On the contrary, this parenting method is about saying yes to our children, and most of what children want from us is our time and attention and love. This is important work, and it's not the \"easy\" way. It feels right for all involved though. So often when we make a rule that gets broken, or when we have a plan that the children won't go along with, people are left feeling like bad parents or bad children. What is the use of creating this feeling in your family? \u003Ci\u003EParenting a Free Child \u003C\/i\u003Ereminds us that we need to be trusting partners with our children, that it helps to be close and loving, that being friends with your kids should be our greatest aspiration rather than something to avoid in order to maintain control. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMy plan from here is to avoid making arbitrary rules, and when a change or a decision needs to be made we will discuss it together and do what makes sense. My goal is to reassess every \"have to\" as it comes up, and redefine it. There are so many times each day when Nik or I will declare that we as a family \"have to\" do something. Our kids trust us, only occasionally grumbling about stuff we make them do but always going along, so we feel like our current methods mostly work-- but reading this book has made me realize that our lives could be more joyful, loving, and free if we make less decisions for our kids and discuss things with them more, as the rational, loving, reasonable, caring people that they are.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uhMUd90IHSg\/TweliaY2s7I\/AAAAAAAABO4\/a_dRXr2Bb1U\/s1600\/kittyodinloki.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"unschooling with love\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uhMUd90IHSg\/TweliaY2s7I\/AAAAAAAABO4\/a_dRXr2Bb1U\/s640\/kittyodinloki.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBeyond issues of control, this book really reminded me of another aspect of parenting: just loving my children... watching them be who they are without judging or correcting; letting them grow without determining their path; trusting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI didn't realize how liberating it would be to embrace these principles. I mean liberating for me, not just for the kids. As a small but poignant example, this morning as Odin ate his toast he called to me while I was in the bathroom, saying \"I didn't want the crust on my toast!\" Well, in the past I would have considered it my job to remind him that he should really be eating his crusts so we don't waste food, bla bla bla. I have always thought it was ridiculously picky for kids to not eat their crusts, and have a hard time with that behavior in my own kids. However, Odin always resists compulsion. It's one of his greatest strengths, and one of the biggest sources of my challenge in parenting him. Here is my liberation. I don't have to compel him to do anything. It's OK if he chooses not to eat his crusts. It is better that he feels responsible for his own choices in life, not forced by me to do what I have decided is right.\u0026nbsp; So this morning, after reading and discussing the ideas in \u003Ci\u003EParenting a Free Child\u003C\/i\u003E, I answered Odin with an idea rather than a \"should\". I said, \"Can you eat around the crusts, then?\" And you know what? When he was left to make his own decision, to work it out for himself what he thought was right or yummy, he ate those crusts.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ECoercive or controlling language backfires. With Odin it is readily obvious. He walks away, closes up, or tears up when his freedom is infringed upon. My older son, Loki, is less obvious about how this coercion bothers him, but I know the resentment builds inside him. He tries to do what we want him to do, because he likes us, but it gets old always doing what you're told! What kids really need is for us to want them to be themselves, to just support them in that, and not try to form them to our own molds. This is something I am finally getting; we are all learning all the time.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow I'm linking to some relevant Amazon ads. Any purchases made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4704926792196455822\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/unschooling-life.html#comment-form","title":"41 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4704926792196455822"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/4704926792196455822"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2012\/01\/unschooling-life.html","title":"Unschooling Life"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7kMKi8E2wQQ\/TweeemV8XlI\/AAAAAAAABOw\/PAAf3_1taoM\/s72-c\/Odinstove.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"41"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846822951017254806.post-1942322305362241967"},"published":{"$t":"2011-12-23T23:04:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-01-05T16:48:36.080-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Crafts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Never Waste a Shrunken Sweater: How to Make Arm Warmers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s1600\/lokiarmies.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers, repurposing a sweater\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s640\/lokiarmies.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ELoki models his new \"armies\", along with what remains of the shrunken red sweater after making three pairs of armies from it.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOver the years, I have somehow shrunken more sweaters than I can count. It might have something to do with my refusal to take anything to a dry-cleaner. I normally try to wash them in a sweater bag, in cool water, and hang dry, but still some come out of the wash much smaller than they went in. This is not, however, the end of their usable life!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gtw83wxZCIc\/TvV4tPUT6yI\/AAAAAAAABNQ\/Fz5U8ePnxQk\/s1600\/brownarmy3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gtw83wxZCIc\/TvV4tPUT6yI\/AAAAAAAABNQ\/Fz5U8ePnxQk\/s640\/brownarmy3.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EOne favorite easy sewing project of mine is to make \"armies\", arm warmers, or whatever you want to call them. I've been making them for years from busted shirts. It's always nice to have a pair around for when your wrists get cold ;) Actually they make a lot of difference if they're wool, and as you can see in the photo of my son, they make you feel a lot tougher.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-smDEHtJQk58\/TvV21cu9RQI\/AAAAAAAABM4\/Sy9GLN5lIdc\/s1600\/redarmy.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmer\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-smDEHtJQk58\/TvV21cu9RQI\/AAAAAAAABM4\/Sy9GLN5lIdc\/s640\/redarmy.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThey can make excellent presents as well, for those who like to do handmade holiday gifts.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI used to make them a lot shorter, so they were basically fingerless gloves, but these days I like them to be more like sleeves, up to my elbows. Then I can get away with tank tops in December.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThere isn't much of a trick to them. They can be as simple and rustic or finished and embellished as you want. I tend to go for the quick \u0026amp; rustic look. I like the things that I make to look handmade, but I also like them to last, so I do a whip stitch around the cut edges to reduce fraying. I have heard that if you wash (read: felt) them after stitching around the edges, the stitches will just shrink up and the edges will be nice and clean.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EI'm kind of ethically opposed to taking a perfectly good sweater and turning it into a project, when there are enough shrunken or stained sweaters out there to make arm bands for the world. You probably have a sweater right now that's past its prime, not really wearable but perhaps was once a favorite? Give it a new life!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RRDDhRU8S6E\/TvV4NIAN47I\/AAAAAAAABNE\/Q8Nd5oua-u0\/s1600\/armiesgreen.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"arm warmers\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RRDDhRU8S6E\/TvV4NIAN47I\/AAAAAAAABNE\/Q8Nd5oua-u0\/s640\/armiesgreen.JPG\" title=\"\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EThese were made from scraps of a wool scarf.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: xx-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EBelow I'm linking to some relevant Amazon ads. Any purchases made through them helps support our family. Thanks in advance!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cscript type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003Eamzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = \"true\"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"lifeunpro-20\"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"auto\"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\"; amzn_assoc_region = \"US\"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = \"51569011,2617941011,3760911,1000,172282,2238192011,16310101,3760901,1055398,133140011,284507,10272111,2972638011,2619533011,3375251\"; amzn_assoc_linkid = \"4c83c3c0de7a6fe51a218834f6977e15\"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {\"type\":\"search\",\"value\":\"Organic\"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = \"All\"; amzn_assoc_rows = \"1\"; \u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1942322305362241967\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/never-waste-shrunken-sweater-how-to.html#comment-form","title":"40 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1942322305362241967"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3846822951017254806\/posts\/default\/1942322305362241967"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/alifeunprocessed.blogspot.com\/2011\/12\/never-waste-shrunken-sweater-how-to.html","title":"Never Waste a Shrunken Sweater: How to Make Arm Warmers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Mellow"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/11320881197482295606"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pcuWiqb0EAs\/TvV036o-pDI\/AAAAAAAABMY\/dWgC7eH-F1o\/s72-c\/lokiarmies.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"40"}}]}});