Menu Monday, April 22

Sunshine this week!  Yeah!  I feel a nature hike coming...!

Monday  
B: Oatmeal with cranberries & pears 
D: Smoked salmon & Swiss omelets; spinach salad

Book Review: The Passionate Mom

Being the mother of two tween-agers, I was excited to be able to review "The Passionate Mom: Dare to Parent in Today's World" by Susan Merrill.

Mrs. Merrill's book discusses current topics that affect most if not all parents, using the Old Testament book of the Bible, Nehemiah, as her inspiration.

I appreciated her insight and advice, supported by many stories of her own parenting journey.

See the Light Art Class DVD WINNER!

Here's the winner of See the Light DVD Giveaway!:

Menu Monday, April 15

It's tax day today.   I really don't mind paying taxes.  I just wish I had more input in how they spent it.

Also, don't forget!  Wednesday is the deadline to enter our GIVEAWAY for the wonderful art class DVD from See the Light! 

Monday
B: Oatmeal with cranberries & peaches  
D: Ham & cheese omelets; fried potatoes; green salad

Easy No-Knead Artisan Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread

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Okay... so I'm basically a lazy person.  I like easy, so I confess:  I LOVE this recipe.  This has become my go-to recipe for bread when we are out of Honey Whole Wheat (hubby's absolute favorite) or Cinnamon bread.  Actually, it's quickly becoming my favorite "daily" bread.


This recipe is based on the concept of the Artisan Bread in 5-Minutes a Day although instead of making up dough for several loaves at one time and storing it in the fridge (which may be challenging to find the space in there) you just make it up as you need it.

No-Soak Crockpot Beans

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I was dumbfounded.  Not soaking dried beans?

My friend, Koe, told me that she makes beans like this all the time.  She is a homeschooling mother to eight hungry kiddos (6 of them boys) and this is her go-to dinner.  Served with rice and you've got a complete source of protein and an inexpensive meal.

And here's a little extra tip:  You can add in a bunch of veggies, and if you've got picky eaters, they'll never know.  What a great way to clean out the vegetable drawer in your fridge!

Can't get much easier than this.

GIVEAWAY: DVD Art Class from See the Light! - Drawing Closed

Last week, I shared with you about the wonderful DVD art curriculum available from See the Light.  Well, they have been so kind to allow me to give away the first DVD in the Art Class series!  This DVD includes the four basic lessons plus a bonus chalk art lesson.