A Few Kitchen "Sprintcuts" for Busy Cooks

By simplesahm | August 6, 2008

Have you heard of "sprintcuts" yet? It is a cool video campaign by Sprint that shows viewers how to do things faster.... Here are two of my favorites...view more (like how to "quick pour ketchup" at waitless.org.

Quickly Peel a Potato

Quickly Peel Boiled Eggs

What? God isn’t here to make me happy?

By simplesahm | August 4, 2008

I am feeling extra whiny today about various things in my life that I have no control over. Nothing serious...just annoying.
Thankfully, in mid-whine...my husband told me to go grab a coffee at a local coffee shop and "settle down a bit". (Those were probably well-calculated words). =)

So, here I sit - doing a little google-searching, and soul searching. I am a big fan of Rick Warren so I thought I'd "Google him". Here are some powerful snippets of the interview that has helped pull me out of self-pity mode (until I finish my coffee, at least).

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you’re just coming out of one, or you’re getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that’s not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you’re going into self-centeredness,’which is my problem, my issues, my pain.’ But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

Are You a Tigger, or an Eyore? Living the Last Lecture Legacy

By simplesahm | August 1, 2008

There are so many lessons to be learned by "The Last Lecture"..."live life to the fullest"..."tell the truth..."play more". 

Amidst the most profound lessons, Randy asked a life changing question - "are you a Tigger or an Eyore".

In honor of Randy...I had a "Tiggerish" day and I encouraged my kids to do the same.

The morning started with a simple question for both of them...

"Are you going to be a Tigger or an Eyore today?"

My preschoolers (ages three and five) naturally shouted "TIGGER". 

"What's the difference between Tigger and Eyore?" I asked my kids.

My daughter responded..."Tigger is always happy, but Eyore is always grumpy".

So we decided to devote our day to "Tigger-ish-ness".

We made pancakes and flipped them high into the air..."order up", I shouted as the kids held their plates high into the air while they giggled feverishly.

We also made a clubhouse out of bed sheets....let the guinea pigs run in the yard and searched for treasure at the local "Goodwill". 

This isn't an atypcial day at the Anderson house...in fact, it's pretty routine.  However, we decided to partake in the fun with Tigger-ish attitudes.  No one whined, no one complained (including mommy) and everyone enjoyed the day.

It was a day that would make Tigger proud...and thanks to Randy - I am reminded to have them daily.

Which leads me to wonder...are you a Tigger or an Eyore? 

Post your response in the comments section?

Simple & Fun Kids Activity - Milk & Dishsoap"Fireworks"

By simplesahm | July 30, 2008

Ever since the Fourth of July...my kids have been begging to see a fireworks show again.  I remembered seeing a little note that was sent home from my daughter's summer camp showing how to make safe & fun "fireworks" from home. 

It was a lot of fun..and a wonderful learning experience for the kids.  Y

You simply take 2 or three cups of milk...put it in a pan and let the kids add drops of food coloring randomly in the milk. 

Then, allow the kids to put droplets of dishsoap on top of the drops of food coloring.  The reaction(caused by the milk-fat mixing with soap) looks like a mini fireworks show.

Our favorite part of this activity was watching the colors blend together. 

Here are some photos of our fireworks show.  (The colors aren't nearly as vibrant as they are "live". =) )

Enjoy!

Randy Pausch, Last Lecture Author Dies

By simplesahm | July 25, 2008

Very rarely am I moved by a YouTube video.  Sometimes I find them funny...sometimes interesting - but very rarely am I truly touched. 

That was until I stumbled upon Randy Pausch's last lecture.  It made me laugh.   It made me cry.  It  made me feel encouraged...and best of all, it made me remember how blessed I am. 

If you haven't listened to the lecture...I've posted it below. 

Randy leaves behind three young children and an adoring wife whose courage is also inspiring. I remember an interview she did where she discussed the inevitability of losing her husband (and the father of her children).  Her response...."I have everything I need".   She says it is her motto. 

Thanks to Randy's inspirational message and his wife's courage...it is my motto too.

God bless you Randy.  You will be missed. 

Attention Children: The Bathroom Door is Closed

By simplesahm | July 20, 2008

Attention Children: The Bathroom Door is Closed! Author Unknown

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out. Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken.

I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in there, but it's been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door. Do not go running back to the phone yelling: "She's in the BATHROOM!"

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in. Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was only funny when you were two.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two, this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

Oh ... And yes, I still love you. Mom

Strawberry Freezer Jam

By simplesahm | July 19, 2008

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Posted using ShareThis

Sophistication Failure

By simplesahm | July 19, 2008

Sadly...I get her. =)
see more pwn and owned pictures

12 Essential Rules to Live More Like a Zen Monk

By simplesahm | July 19, 2008

I just stumbled upon this article and thought I would share it.  Chances are, you've never sought advice about parenting & motherhood from a Zen Monk.   Continue reading this article to find out why you should....

I’m not a Zen monk, nor will I ever become one. However, I find great inspiration in the way they try to live their lives: the simplicity of their lives, the concentration and mindfulness of every activity, the calm and peace they find in their days.

read more | digg story

Do you Freecycle?

By simplesahm | July 16, 2008

If not, you should. 

I heard about Freecycle.com about a year ago and assumed it was a glorified garage sale "free box".  You know what I am talking about.  The box filled with crap like stuffed animals and broken Happy Meal toys that no one wants....

Boy was I wrong.   A friend reminded me of Freecycle the other day.  He loves to cook and wanted to purchase a pressure cooker but couldn't afford it.  He joined Freecycle and posted a message..."Wanted: Pressure Cooker" - within two days he was trying out his brand new (to him) pressure cooker recipes.

I wasn't completely sold, but joined anyway.  I am trying to downsize a bit so I figured I could at least use it to declutter a bit.  

Part of my downsizing plan means getting rid of the gym membership so I posted...."Wanted:treadmill"..."If it is collecting dust at your place, let it collect dust at mine instead". =)   

Within 24 hours, three people responded.  This morning...instead of driving to the gym, I ran for 20 minutes on my new (to me at least)...and surprisingly nice treadmill.

This weekend someone was giving away a trampoline....

This morning, someone was giving away a plethora of baby items including a crib, bassinet and car seat. 

Tonight...I am going to give away a computer monitor, keyboard, kids' games and mouse. 

It is an absolute blast.  I love reading the posts.  I am anxious to grant wishes...and I am really excited to share my pile of pre-pregnancy jeans with someone who may actually be able to squeeze into them!

Click here to get started....