tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13778848936086639522024-03-19T00:11:47.720-04:00The Gorsky HouseWe've moved! Come find us at TheGorskyHouse.comKatie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-14974428384185657542013-12-19T09:28:00.000-05:002013-12-19T09:28:22.586-05:002013 Christmas Newsletter<div>
My dearest friends and strangers on the interwebs,</div>
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2013 is a year we will not soon forget. It has been a tremendous year of excitement. By excitement I really mean not-so-organized-chaos.</div>
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Full disclosure--I am NOT wearing my Christmas jammies. I don't really like jammies...I'm in yoga pants covered in sawdust and my only shirt without paint that isn't reserved for wakes and weddings. </div>
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January started off kind of boring...built a table, wainscotted my dining room...played with Christmas toys...made my final payment on my Equinox.</div>
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Then I said to the boss one night "let's not worry about a new house closer to the farm....it will happen when it happens." We contracted for a new furnace. The next afternoon Wayne's Dad told him we could have a house! It went something like this: I drive around back at the farm, knock part of the exhaust off bottoming out in frozen ruts, come up front, boss gets in "I was up in the house talking to my father" "about what?" "plans" "like for a house?"(totally joking) "well...seed/planting oh and yes...a house" "what...really? the furnace guy comes tomorrow" "well we need it anyway"....</div>
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That was the first of three heating appliances purchased this year.</div>
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February 25th I started ripping out old carpet and wallpaper in the new to us house. This is also when we started eating random crap. My entire budget went to Lowes, Home Depot...and Dunkin Donuts. I abandoned my pantry and kitchen...I did some laundry...it's kind of all a blur, but we made it out alive. On Memorial Day we moved into the new--150 year old---house. </div>
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The rest of the year is kind of a dusty cloud of sawdust, drywall dust, wall tearing out, plaster dust and a lot of "where are yous" and "put the cat down" and "George we don't bang things with the hammer....well...I do...but you don't." </div>
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I may have given up on menus and planning somewhere along the way. I mostly tried to alternate pizza, something with cheese and bacon and pasta with sauce for most of the year. Which is harder than you think if you throw chicken parm into the mix. That's where pancakes help.</div>
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Though, from where I am sitting, I can see the barn where our 65 dairy cows live...I'm usually out of milk. Now that it's winter and our 20 chickens are on hiatus I'm usually out of eggs too. Oh...and though we raise our own beef...I'm out. My husband got a little enthusiastic before labor day with seasonally higher beef prices and sent the one for our freezer to the auction. Which helped buy the second heating appliance of the year---the woodstove...but um...empty freezer. </div>
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The good news is our lycopene levels are amazing and I discovered it's cheaper to buy sauce in a case of #10 cans. Which I'm also out of now.</div>
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Our exciting black Friday purchase was a pellet stove...for heating the back of the house/kitchen/upstairs...heating appliance #3 in 10 months. woot.</div>
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So now I'm spending two days trying to de-dust my house...and then I realize my chop saw is still in my office and there is an excellent chance I will want to use it again today....but I invited people over to my house...on purpose. Despite the crazy of this year I've been trying to work on hospitality and loving people. Which is great because I average 8 weeks on a email reply, 4 months on a fb message reply and a voicemail is pretty much talking to yourself. But when I read all these blogs and books about being welcoming I embrace it...and try to ignore the fact that this house will be dusty and mid-project for at least 2 more years. </div>
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Would pledge wipes be the wrong party favor?</div>
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So...2014...</div>
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Hopefully the year we rent/sell the other house...because it's fun paying a mortgage on a vacant house...no...really...a blast...and electric...and oil...and...yea.</div>
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The year the main bathroom and kitchen get updated.</div>
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The year I start to use my kitchen again to make something creative?</div>
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Hopefully the year I send out the 2013 Christmas cards...but first...I need to take the boys' Christmas picture...which...well...should probably be done before Christmas decor is taken down...which at this rate....well...who's good at photoshop?</div>
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Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-60275323747392361112012-01-27T11:45:00.001-05:002012-01-28T13:23:42.959-05:00An Honest CompanyIt's rare that a nationwide company captures my attention. I am a big etsy/local business supporter. I am ever-frustrated with crappy customer service. My darling hubby sometimes thinks I get too upset about it and that I shouldn't contact as many corporate offices as I do (usually to no avail) but it's something I'm passionate about. My grandparents owned a small deli/store in the Bronx, Naughton's Irish Deli, on 242nd st. Though many years have passed since it was operated by our family the stories that live on are of people. The senior citizens we delivered groceries to, the orders of individual customers that still resonate in my father's, uncles' and aunt's heads. It was about people. It was real. Things were done right, corners weren't cut, and everyone took ownership in having a great relationship with and providing top notch service to the customers. <br />
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My frustration with many companies these days lies in the "that's not my job" mentality of many employees. One would think that in today's economy with less consumer dollars to go around, local branches of larger companies would realize that how you treat your customers today, guarantees your job for tomorrow. As my father always said about his Yankee Doodle Circus "This year's show sells next year's tickets." <br />
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So some flashy new company with an actress at the helm pops up a week ago. I was of course skeptical but always game for free samples. So I jumped on the bandwagon, fully intent on canceling the subscription immediately. On a chilly, grey winter day I stalked the front door around UPS time, and sure enough he brought me a delightful box of goodies from The Honest Company. Again, excited for free stuff, but still skeptical. I was captivated by clean lined packaging, casual but informative info packets, and easy to open packaging. I was romanced by "Proudly made in the USA" and delightful natural scents. George was ready for a nap so I brought him, our new diaper and wipe samples upstairs and embarked on diaper duty. Hmm, these are adorable! No cartoon characters! yay! Soft and well thought out. The wipes were very effective, albeit thinner than the Huggies "washcloth" wipes, lovely subtle scents and they are compostable!<br />
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After putting George down for his nap I went downstairs to dive further into the kit. The hand soap, heavenly. I used a drop, and by drop I mean what my grandmother would have called a "smidgen." It was pleasantly aromatic, labeled "organic lemongrass" but reminded me of pink grapefruit from the Body Shop, great lather, not drying and I didn't get itchy hands from it. I have discovered a soap sensitivity over the last year so try to use as much natural based soaps as I can. No red spots, no itching. Yay.<br />
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Joey walked in the door from school and had a chapped mouth, I think he licks his chin some, and I applied the "healing balm." I did say to him "don't eat it" and he says "it tastes good"....good news is it's natural/organic. It seemed to do a nice job clearing up his chapped skin over a couple days.<br />
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We've enjoyed the body lotion too, not greasy but effective and quick absorbing.<br />
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Also included was laundry detergent. Yes I make my own. Yes I just ran out. So, why not? Half of that little bottle? OK here goes. To be fair, we have REALLY dirty clothes. Not me so much, but George is often covered in carrots or sweet potatoes when he tries to "help," Joey looks for dirt and dirt finds Wayne. This first load was no exception, in fact it might have been a little dirtier than an average load in our house. I only used their soap and vinegar for the rinse. I traditionally add a little borax, but wanted to see how it did on it's own. Good results, not perfect, but good. Pleasant, clean smell, but not overpoweringly perfumey. I tossed a few diapers into the next load, but I wouldn't judge the soap on those. I won't go into detail:) For the next load I added a little borax (maybe 1/8th cup) and the vinegar for the rinse. Awesome. My kitchen towels and stubborn pot holders---bright white and no lingering stains...without bleach. I have "killed" more clothes in the last year from bleach spillage than I would like to admit. <br />
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We had a leaky diaper issue. (I use disposables at night these days as he was waking up soaked in the cloth ones after 12 hours.) I posted a question to other moms on their facebook page. In TEN minutes, TEN, the co-founder of the company wrote back wanting to know what size we were using, how big G was, etc. Let me add, he did this on his personal account and without an introduction. Had I not read the info packet, I may not have even known. I love that this was about "the problem" and not about "guess who I am." We had a few comments back and forth and a suggestion in "hose aim" that resulted in a dry night the next night. One mom on there suggested going up a size too.<br />
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Yesterday morning one of the ladies from The Honest Company emailed me to tell me she has already sent some size 4s my way to try out and was very sweet in her email. I emailed back with a couple questions and got a speedy, thorough and honest reply. I wanted to know if all of the products were US made. She explained that yes, all with the exception of the diapers which are made by an American company just over the border in Mexico, in an immaculate facility and of US materials. Also, I had issues getting the wipes out of the trial pack with one hand (which is often the case in trial packs) she assured me that the regular sized ones are easier:) <br />
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These are real people. They care about their customers, genuinely, not just from a "damage-control" standpoint. They understand that there are other companies out there vying for our dollars and they are putting people first.<br />
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Where do I stand? I will certainly continue the "family essentials" bundle of the personal/household cleaning products. I will order one case of diapers. However, since we are a good 85% cloth I won't need them every month, but I'm likely to return. <br />
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Bottom line, it's not just a name. They are honest in product and in commitment to the customer.<br />
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Try them out for yourself: <a href="http://www.honest.com/">The Honest Company</a><br />
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(While you're at it, click to follow and/or like us on facebook:) <br />
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-58745567302944106992012-01-26T12:40:00.000-05:002012-01-26T12:40:07.755-05:00When junk mail is good mail:)One of my clutter minimization/dealing with my brain injury tactics is going through the mail when it comes in and putting it all in its place. Let's face it, it's easier to do this on a daily/every other day basis then once a month when its a massive pile and you can't find the new insurance cards. <br />
Two days ago I got two pieces of mail that were semi-related. First a bill for a cookbook I never even opened and sent right back from America's Test Kitchen, apparently a "second notice." I was disgruntled to say the least. (It didn't help when I called once and was told I could pay online but nobody could talk to me, then I tried later and they were closed...) The semi-related piece was a sample of Cook's Country Magazine. I was on the way to the recycling bin with all the junk mail when I read the cover "Whipped Potatoes--Throw away your masher." Pfft. Yeah right. I won't lie, I opened it to think I could prove them wrong. <br />
So then I read the article and recipe. Oh fine, it made sense. As I purused the rest of the free edition I saw things like "Best ever tuna salad," "Easy pulled pork," "Crispy Baked French Fries," and "Old Fashioned Pecan Pie" (one of my father-in-law's favorites). Sure enough, I read the whole darn thing. Last night's menu called for "steak, potatoes, broccoli." What a better time to try a new potato recipe.<br />
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I need to mention, as much as I love to cook and spend countless hours in the kitchen, new recipes can throw me for a loop. I don't have the working memory to remember the next few steps, so I'm constantly back to the book to read and re-read. It's crazy tiring. This time though, totally worth it.<br />
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Here it is:<br />
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Whipped Potatoes<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Serves 8 to 10</span><br />
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If your steamer basket has short legs (under 1 3/4 inches), the potatoes will sit in water as they cook and get wet. To prevent this, use balls of aluminum foil as steamer basket stilts. A stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment yields the smoothest potatoes, but a hand mixer may be used as well.</div>
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<span class="block_header" style="background-color: white; color: #595142; display: block; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font: normal normal normal 13px/18px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase;">INGREDIENTS</span><span class="ingredient_block_header" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"></span><ul class="ingredients" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="clear: left; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 6em;">4</span><span class="unit">pounds</span> <span class="preInstructions"></span><span class="item" itemprop="name">russet potatoes</span><span class="specialInstructions">, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="clear: left; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 6em;">1 1/2</span><span class="unit">cups</span> <span class="preInstructions"></span><span class="item" itemprop="name">whole milk</span><span class="specialInstructions"></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="clear: left; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 6em;">8</span><span class="unit">tablespoons (1 stick)</span> <span class="preInstructions"></span><span class="item" itemprop="name">unsalted butter</span><span class="specialInstructions">, cut into pieces</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="clear: left; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 6em;">2</span><span class="unit">teaspoons</span> <span class="preInstructions"></span><span class="item" itemprop="name"><a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/taste-tests/ingredient/9842" style="color: #2851a2; text-decoration: none;">salt</a></span><span class="specialInstructions"></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="clear: left; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="amount" itemprop="amount" style="float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right; width: 6em;">1/2</span><span class="unit">teaspoon</span> <span class="preInstructions"></span><span class="item" itemprop="name">pepper</span><span class="specialInstructions"></span></li>
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<span class="block_header instructions" style="background-color: white; color: #595142; display: block; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font: normal normal normal 13px/18px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 22px; text-transform: uppercase;">INSTRUCTIONS</span><ul class="procedures" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<strong>1. COOK POTATOES</strong> Place cut potatoes in colander. Rinse under cold water until water runs clear, about 1 minute. Drain potatoes. Fill Dutch oven with 1 inch water. Bring water to boil. Place steamer basket in Dutch oven and fill with potatoes. Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, until potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.</div>
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<strong>2. WARM DAIRY</strong> Heat milk, butter, salt, and pepper in small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking until smooth, about 3 minutes; cover and keep warm.</div>
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<strong>3. WHIP POTATOES </strong>Pour contents of Dutch oven into colander and return potatoes to dry pot. Stir over low heat until potatoes are thoroughly dried, about 1 minute. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, break potatoes into small pieces on low speed, about 30 seconds. Add milk mixture in steady stream until incorporated. Increase speed to high and whip until potatoes are light and fluffy and no lumps remain, about 2 minutes. Serve.</div>
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<h2 class="steps_header" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-left-style: double; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-right-style: double; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-top-style: double; border-top-width: 3px; color: #595142; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; font: normal normal normal 13px/21px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;">
SPACKLED SPUDS</h2>
<div class="steps_text" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 25px;">
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Don't try this recipe in your food processor—its sharp blades cut open the starch granules and turn the potatoes to glue. The beating motion of the mixer makes smooth, fluffy potatoes every time.</div>
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<li class="step first" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(209, 207, 195); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; padding-bottom: 25px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 25px; zoom: 1;"><img src="http://sfs.cookscountry.com/images/document/SIL_FoodProcessor_Blade_01_275796.jpg?maxheight=114" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; height: 114px; margin-left: 20px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 142px;" /><div class="step_text" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>DON'T DO IT</strong><br />A food processor's blade makes gluey mashed potatoes.</div>
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<strong>WHIP SMART</strong><br />Use the mixer for light, fluffy whipped potatoes.</div>
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These are amazing! Light, fluffy, creamy, smooth. Honestly, they are even good cold. I may have had a fingerfull while heating some leftovers up for br...uh....lunch? <br />
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I was kind of in a hurry putting these together and could have let them go another couple minutes steaming...we had a few lumps, but that was user error. (It was 11:15, cut me some slack:)<br />
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I served these with rib-eyes, and peas. Something else I learned, by accident, that was confirmed by smart people:) I cooked our steaks from frozen last night at 425 convection on a williams sonoma grill pan in the oven. They were AMAZING. This morning in Cooks Country I was reading about freezing the steaks for a half hour to give them a crust when grilling. Hmm, would you look at that:) I take two steaks out of the freezer, throw them in a still warming oven, flip once and serve...and they wrote an article and spent weeks testing the theory. Luckily, the homework is done for you, go get a steak out of the freezer and call it dinner:)<br />
<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-17054107444827660232012-01-24T11:32:00.001-05:002012-01-24T11:32:16.141-05:00Small house loveIn 1950 the average US home was 983 square feet and housed 3.67 people, around 265 square feet per person. In 2005, the average US home was 2349 square feet and housed 2.62 people, or almost NINE HUNDRED square feet per person.<br />
Based on current trends, three of us and probably the dog need to move out. <br />
We have a little house. Or is it little? We have a whopping 912 above ground square feet, and four people; 228 square feet per person. I can still hear a friend and my father referring to our house as "a great little starter house," when we purchased it in 2006 as a family of three. At the time, I was a bit insulted. "Starter?" What? <br />
I was pretty excited that we bought our first house. After a few years I started thinking it was a bit small, then I read an article in a magazine somewhere that essentially said it is cheaper to re-do your small house to create spaces than buy a bigger house. Oh, good idea. <br />
In a period of about 18 months between 2009 and 2010 I redid (or at least planned the re-do) of every square inch of our house. All new windows, doors, hardwood and tile on the first floor, new sink/faucet, fridge, oven, microwave, freezers, furnace, hot water heater, washer/dryer, bathroom (gutted--all new), no more wallpaper, all new paint, new basement stairs, finished the basement (pantry/laundry, school/playroom, shop), new drainage, carpeted the stairs, new deck railings, new fence, new playground, new shed/cabin, new fire pit, new landscaping, new porch, new chimney, two new ceilings...every.square.inch. Pretty much the only things remaining are the kitchen cabinets, counters, roof, upstairs flooring...yep, that's about it:) (Which was all new when we bought the house.) Needless to say, there was a LOT of dust, countless trips to Lowes, lots of measuring, and lots of research.<br />
There are days that I would like more room. Once a year or so I get some crazy idea and a notebook and start planning on how to redo a house somewhere. This happened again last week. Wayne was actually listening to me until he saw the notebook and said "oh no, not the notebook!" <br />
So after all the craziness here, why on earth would I want to start over? Insanity? Probably. <br />
Here is the list of what I would like in a bigger house:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A guest bedroom</li>
<li>First floor bathroom</li>
<li>First floor pantry/butler's pantry</li>
<li>Second floor laundry (or Aunt Ann's laundry shoot)</li>
<li>A dishwasher</li>
<li>A larger range and/or double wall ovens</li>
<li>An island with seating.</li>
<li>A closet</li>
<li>An office</li>
<li>A fireplace</li>
<li>Lots of parking</li>
<li>To go out on my deck and not see my neighbors. I LOVE my neighbors. I'm devastated that they are moving away. Sometimes, I need quiet. I like to go out on the deck, but not always to socialize.</li>
<li>To be able to invite everyone I'd like to events without worrying where we were going to put them.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
That's about it.<br />
<br />
I even asked Joey last week what he thought about moving. He said "We don't NEED a bigger house." <br />
<br />
Darn it. He's right.<br />
<br />
We don't. <br />
<br />
The boys share a room. Joey is pretty sure that one of these days George will wake him up. So far it's only been the reverse. Is storage sometimes a challenge? Sure. Do they survive? Yep.<br />
<br />
If we had a bigger house I could actually fit that beautiful table from PB in my dining room. I still couldn't afford it, but I could fit it.<br />
<br />
From a budget standpoint, a bigger house comes with--traditionally--a bigger mortgage, higher taxes, higher utilities, more snow to move, more (some) lawn to mow, and more furniture to buy. If it were an older house that list of projects could take up two notebooks. <br />
<br />
If I had more space, maybe I would hoard things rather then pass them on to someone who can use them. I wouldn't have to be as creative. I might not be as good at measuring. I would need more time to clean. I might not be able to find the kids. (There are moments when being on the second floor and hearing Joey's tractor noises in the basement can be unnerving, but hey, I know where he is:) <br />
<br />
Not to say we will never have a bigger house, but we don't need one. I REALLY WANT to be closer to the farm, because the 12 miles each way does hurt the budget. If the option to pick up my house and move it closer were there, (and intelligent) that would probably be A-OK.<br />
<br />
For now, I'll keep purging, creating, streamlining, downsizing, and organizing. There's probably six months before I start another notebook:) <br />
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I suppose I'd have to leave this here. </div>
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-55280859082936112852012-01-21T10:31:00.000-05:002012-01-21T10:34:48.090-05:00Veggie ChowdaYou've all seen it and cringed. Someone famous says "my children are my inspiration" and you want to gag. Overused, cringe-worthy.<br />
This however, is totally George's inspiration/fault/something.<br />
Many of you are familiar with my knock-off Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. (Do you know that I never spell Broccoli right the first time?) Well last week I added some shredded carrots to the soup. The next day George was eating some leftovers for dinner, and I noticed that the shredded carrots were kinda bugging him. (Too small to chew, but still he thought he had to.) That particular evening his dinner also consisted of mashed carrots. Well, grown ups sometimes play with food too. I mixed the two together. I immediately loved the color. Fine reasoning, no? Last night it evolved into a new, and very tasty chowder.<br />
<br />
Here is how it started...<br />
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Ingredients:</div>
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4T butter</div>
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1/4 c flour</div>
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4 c milk (I used 1%)</div>
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1c shredded cheddar</div>
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4 smallish sweet potatoes</div>
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2 white potatoes</div>
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A bunch of carrots (1lb?)</div>
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Whole bag of frozen broccoli</div>
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1/2 bag cut leaf spinach</div>
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pepper</div>
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<ul>
<li>Peel and chunk fresh veggies</li>
<li>Cook in pressure cooker for 10 minutes with 1/2c water. </li>
<ul>
<li>If you don't have a pressure cooker---get one! Mine is from the 70s and is a joy to have in the kitchen. If that's not happening right now, roast these in the oven until mashable.</li>
</ul>
<li>While the pressure cooker is doing it's thing, start on the roux. </li>
<ul>
<li>Melt the butter over medium heat</li>
<li>Add the flour and whisk until incorporated</li>
<li>SLOWLY add the milk, (ie 1/2c at a time) whisking to fully incorporate.</li>
<li>Once all the milk is added let cook about 5 minutes, stirring regularly but not constantly.</li>
<li>Add cheese and pepper and stir to combine. </li>
</ul>
<li>Put the spinach and broccoli in the microwave for 5 minutes.</li>
<ul>
<li>I used a "premium" broccoli this time with a lot of big pieces, you may wish to cut these into spoon size bites.</li>
</ul>
<li>When the fresh veggies are done and pressure has dropped, mash away. This will be a quick process as they will be very tender. Don't be overly picky either, a few chunks is just fine.</li>
<li>Add all the veggies to the milk mixture and let cook for a few minutes.</li>
<li>Ladle into a few bowls and voila </li>
</ul>
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The boys ate this up well. With the sweet potatoes and carrots it almost tasted a little "squashy" but balanced. W isn't a sweet potato fan as a rule, but still came back for seconds. I may make the white to sweet ratio 1:1 next time.</div>
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The best part?? There were leftovers! Guess what I'm having for breakfast??</div>
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<br /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-31872404937014502782012-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:002012-01-17T10:26:35.194-05:00Perfection: Part 2, Defying GravityI did not intend for this to be a two part entry, but my brain says so:)<br />
You know how they say writing is therapeutic? Writing is awesome for me. I hate talking on the phone (I can only process one thing at a time), and often in person I have a hard time forming complete thoughts, and then a conversation drifts to a side note and I have no idea where I once was. So sitting here in silence, seizing naptime (when I should absolutely be cleaning the kitchen), lets me process all these crazy thoughts into complete sentences. <br />
The response both on-blog, on cafemom and on facebook, as well as pageviews, texts and emails to "Perfection" caught me by surprise. In all honesty I half expected people to say "yea you are a screw up, get your crap together." Not only was there a lot of love...a LOT, but it turns out I'm not the only one who isn't perfect! yay! <br />
Two nights ago, while Pandora-ing (new word, you saw it here first) on my RENT Original Broadway Cast channel (the timing is off on the movie soundtrack, hard to sing along....) Defying Gravity from Wicked came on. I sang along....NOT one for karaoke mind you...I do not have that range:) The lyrics have kept playing over and over in my head...to the point where I'm giddy. For those of you not familiar...<br />
<br />
Something has changed within me<br />
Something is not the same<br />
I'm through with playing by the rules<br />
Of someone else's game<br />
Too late for second-guessing<br />
Too late to go back to sleep<br />
It's time to trust my instincts<br />
Close my eyes: and leap!<br />
<br />
It's time to try<br />
Defying gravity<br />
I think I'll try<br />
Defying gravity<br />
And you can't pull me down!<br />
<br />
I'm through accepting limits<br />
'cause someone says they're so<br />
Some things I cannot change<br />
But till I try, I'll never know!<br />
Too long I've been afraid of<br />
Losing love I guess I've lost<br />
Well, if that's love<br />
It comes at much too high a cost!<br />
<br />
I get a chill up my spine just typing that. Something HAS changed within me, it is NOT the same. I won't play by their rules. God gave ME instincts on how to raise MY family and love MY husband and deal with life. You know what? I do need to trust those! Yes, I was afraid of loosing their love...but I suppose clearly it was lost already and devoting my life to try and make them think I'm a good wife or mom, is truly too high of a cost.<br />
<br />
I wonder how many hours, days, weeks, months were truly robbed from my family because I was trying to make the extended family like me. What a waste. <br />
<br />
Yes, I have limitations. I am, foremost, human. Throwing a brain injury on top of that only adds to my limitations. Not that I expect them to vanish, but if I'm working on someone else's issue with me, I can't push my own limits and see what's out there. We ALL have room for improvement. You can improve without trying to be "perfect." I think the difference in pushing your own limits is that it's an internal journey that nobody else may even know about, while trying to be perfect is merely a facade. <br />
<br />
We know which is worth our time.<br />
<br />
I think I'll try defying gravity...AND YOU CAN'T PULL ME DOWN!<br />
<br />
:-) <br />
<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-3237554270191141532012-01-15T14:53:00.000-05:002012-01-15T14:58:53.928-05:00What to do in a water emergencyMy neighbors and I are in a water emergency currently due to a water main break. This time of the year this is common as sudden changes in temperature affect our under ground, and likely antiquated water supply lines in the northeast. <br />
It was a quiet Friday night here in the metropolis of Victory, then sirens broke out, followed by a trooper going past and then the village's little backhoe/loader. I probably should have put it all together...but I didn't. Until an hour later I noticed low water pressure in the sink and immediately assumed Joey was building more backyard Ice Roads and left the hose on. Not the case. (He had used plastic jugs and not the hose for Friday's road construction.) Eventually the water didn't run at all. I checked the voicemail on the phone and sure enough there was the reverse 911 call. (It was feeding time at the zoo, I didn't know the number, I didn't answer.) <br />
By morning the toilet wasn't flushing. Thankfully, I didn't heed the advice in a child safety blog earlier in the week that reminded us all to immediately drain the water after bath time to prevent wandering toddlers from drowning. Not that it's bad advice, it just provided me some lovely Tea Tree scented water to flush the toilet with. <br />
In came the texts and emails from disgruntled neighbors. Of course we panic, we're mighty used to the creature comforts of our cozy homes. It's important in a situation like this to step back and think about what's going on. The water main break occurred on a Friday night. Traditionally this is a time spent with family and friends, relaxing after a busy week at work and school. The guy who drove by on the loader, the volunteer fireman who were blocking off the street and the scores of other people running for parts and trying to fix the problem are PEOPLE. They were home with their feet up, watching the news. They were getting ready for a daughter's 2nd birthday party. They were bringing dinner to an elderly neighbor. They stopped their evening to go spend the evening and most of the night in 15 degree darkness trying to fix your problem. Why? For the water guys, sure it's part of their job. For all of them, they are our neighbors. They don't have water either. They've worked all night freezing their buns off, without coffee because Stewarts was probably out too, and when they're lucky enough to go home they can't take a nice warm shower either. <br />
It's natural to react. It's not necessary to over react. Is it inconvenient? Absolutely. Are they working on it? Most definitely.<br />
So now that we're at peace with the no water situation, what do we do?<br />
<br />
I would probably suggest making cookies and bringing them to the guys working outside. Don't worry that you haven't showered, either have they. (No I didn't this time.)<br />
Next I would check that pantry inventory for any bottled water. If there isn't any, add it to the shopping list.<br />
Then locate the anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. I don't use these all the time, but they are certainly convenient in a situation such as this. Even if the sink is full of dishes, at least the table and counters can be wiped down. <br />
I'm sure all the perfect people of the world have their dishes done as soon as they are dirty. I'd be lying if I said there weren't four dirty bottles in my sink. <br />
While the water is off do what you can, then enjoy the fact that you can't do dishes or laundry for a while. Hey nothing to fold!:)<br />
<br />
When the water comes back with a "boil water advisory" what does that mean? This is exactly the research I did yesterday. I suppose most grown ups should know this, but I wasn't sure of the "rules." So I shall share with yourselves.<br />
First: let it run! Initially there will be obvious dirt and grit in your water. Open up the tub faucet (cold only, you don't need to heat the water going down the drain!) and let her roll. When you can't see the grit settle anymore start with these rules. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Water for drinking, cooking, teeth brushing, and pet consumption should be boiled for at least a full minute, then cooled to safe temperatures for use.</li>
<li>Dishes: If you have a dishwasher run it on the hottest setting, sanitize if you have it. If you are without a dishwasher, wash your dishes with very hot water that is good and soapy. Follow with a hot rinse.</li>
<ul>
<li>Alternatively, you can rinse dishes in a bleach water solution. 1Tbsp of household bleach to 1 gallon of water. (Anyone remember washing their dishes at girl scout camp?) Rinse the dishes then allow to sit for a few minutes before towel drying. </li>
</ul>
<li>You may wash your clothes normally, I chose the hot cylce just for that warm fuzzy feeling accompanied with it.</li>
<li>Shower away, but when singing turn away from the water so you don't drink it!</li>
<ul>
<li>I avoided baby bath time (breathe, Mom) because he always seems to end up drinking the water...and of course he would during a boil water advisory. Nothing a sponge bath didn't take care of.</li>
</ul>
<li>Most of us have fridges with water and ice in the door, or an ice maker. First, hit the "lock" button...trust me it's habit to go there for water and ice. This should pretty much be avoided for the duration of the boil water advisory. When the advisory is lifted, run three gallons of water though the water side (great job for a responsible child), then dump three batches of ice. It's likely you did this when you changed your filter, right? You DID didn't you?:) </li>
</ul>
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When the boil water advisory is lifted. Jump for joy! Sing in the shower! (Don't jump in the shower, those poor EMS guys need a nap.) Once you are clean and sung out. Research organizations that provide water to people with none. Not for 12 hours, people who NEVER have clean water! Then send them some money, say a prayer, stock up on 20 gallons of water for the next emergency....and grab some chocolate chips so you'll be ready to make cookies for the guys fixing your problem:-)</div>
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-46256584004122000102012-01-14T11:40:00.001-05:002012-01-17T21:23:56.048-05:00Perfection.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My brain has been a busy place lately, a myriad of ideas and self conversations bouncing off the walls in there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether we like it or not, we're all judged by other people. Some that know us, some that don't, some who think they do, some who tell us what they think and some who keep it to themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last few years I've had countless emails, phone calls to my hubby, and comments made to me by some perfect people. Probably my favorite "you two are the WORST parents and all I hear about is how messed up your kid is," along with "fake" and a ton of other accusations. To say "oh just blow it off they don't matter" is one thing. I have a husband who is way better at that than me. I take EVERYTHING personally, I dwell, I rationalize, I create scenarios in my head...It's been almost 18 months since the aforementioned email. The words are somewhere in my head every day. It gets to the point where you start believing them. You get looks from strangers and you're pretty sure they think your kid is messed up and we're pretty crappy parents too, they probably saw the email. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should probably mention, there is no worse judge of myself than myself. I analyze and over analyze and research every freaken thing I do. So having others throw in their two cents pretty much makes me think I've totally missed something.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having an infant does not make this any easier. There are SO many minute details, there are diapers and food and binkies and toys and car seats and strollers and burp cloths and leg warmers and sleep training, and walkers and...I wish that was the whole list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't do it ALL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is really no human way to be perfect. I "know" that...but I can't say I wasn't still trying. I have made it a point to not put too much negative on facebook. I know how blessed we are, and I know how good we've got it compared to the greater population. Then I hear people say "man I wish I had your life." Mine? What the heck do you want with MY life? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a super itty bitty budget</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little house built in 1880</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/10 (ONE TENTH) of an acre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look out my dining room window to see my neighbors used-to-be-a-shed falling into the canal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure I run on fumes 5 times a month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hubby works EVERY day...Christmas and Thanksgiving mean he only works 8-10 hours rather than 14-18. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've got a bungie holding my dryer shut, a broken washer gasket that causes leakage with every wash</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no cable </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no trust fund</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">not enough life insurance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm up to five pairs of pants now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A brain injury</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm lucky if I take a shower 3 times a week (don't tell my mom, we've agreed to lie about it)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm proud of myself if I leave the house with a shower, proper undergarments, clean clothes and shoes. (I may have brought Wayne lunch this week, arriving there realizing I was wearing no socks, his slippers....and I was kinda stinky...I did have my camera.) If I actually remember my cards and phone, keys and a bottle we might as well stay out all day because it won't happen again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thrilled my hubby has a job that he loves, that it provides us shelter and some food, we have three vehicles (two running) that are properly insured. I'm thrilled with all we have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a brain injury EVERYTHING is work. There are conscious decisions and systems to make everything happen. I can't just say "oh I need broccoli" and run downstairs and grab it. I get downstairs...if I'm lucky I open the freezer and stare blankly into it. Usually I'll end up doing laundry or something and not remember it was broccoli until I get back to cooking again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing as how my hubby isn't here all day, he thought I was exaggerating my trips up the stairs. The right elbow in all of my shirts and some sweatshirts has a hole in it. Why? because when I'm flying down the stairs, I hit my elbow on the wall. There is a slanted ceiling at the top of the stairs so speed requires a duck and hug the wall move...and results in bare elbows. Why am I not 83 pounds? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure there is BPA in my house, we have clothes that aren't made in the US, George wore a disposable diaper last night, we don't eat organic food, I'm overdue for an oil change, there are blankets and stuffed animals in George's crib, we rear-face but not in the center, he ate baby food out of *gasp* a jar yesterday, the sauce I bought this month has HFCS in it because I forgot to read the label, I haven't paid off my student loan, I should probably change the sheets more often, I haven't moved the monitor into G's room since he moved in there 3 months ago, I own a blow dryer but don't use it, I avoid consigning clothes because I don't want to iron them all...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to my judgers...maybe you're right. Pick me apart. This is all I've got. I can't live paranoid anymore that you'll find out I did something wrong...or if I do something right, maybe we'll get invited somewhere? I can't make you love me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take me for what I am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who I was meant to be</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and if you give a damn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">take me baby or leave me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Jonathon Larson</span></div>
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</span></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-35150655333991092592012-01-11T23:32:00.001-05:002012-01-11T23:32:40.119-05:00Brief reflection on a very long day.<div><p>In the last 24 hours, I have slept 3 (not continuous). <br>
I found out my neighbors are moving, and not within the county as I had been prepared for, but to Georgia...the state.<br>
I've made coffee 6 times.<br>
I've done 4 loads of laundry.<br>
I made and delivered lunch.<br>
I had two corn dogs today....and coffee. <br>
Dinner is ready, the boys are late.<br>
I got a thank you from someone for the second time in three months...which never ceases to amaze me. <br>
I put George in his car seat 6 times. <br>
I forgot my craigslist password....again.<br>
I found out that people other than my cousins and three friends read my blog....that will probably be past tense after this delightful piece of prose. <br>
</p>
</div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-56537814414700245672012-01-09T20:49:00.000-05:002012-01-09T20:58:47.068-05:00The monthly menu and the skinny food budget.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"...every member should be employed either in earning or saving money." </span></div>
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The American Frugal Housewife</div>
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(free classic on Amazon Kindle)</div>
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It has been over four years since my car accident and the onset of my traumatic brain injury. While I cannot work outside the home, and often times don't accomplish what I should in the home, I make every effort to run this house efficiently. I began a monthly menu a few years back and developed it in two years of cognitive rehabilitation. Its purpose is two fold, for ease of household flow and for trying to work within an ever-tightening budget.</div>
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I will be the first to admit I am a disaster without a menu. Last month, there was no menu, there were a lot of train wrecks at dinner time and I ended up about 50% over budget for December. Along with being chaotic, it just plain stresses me out. I know, I know what you're saying "I could never plan a WHOLE month of meals at once." Yes you can. It's not that hard and doesn't need to be set in stone. The best part is that I know what is in the house and know what isn't. If I don't feel like Brocolli Cheddar Soup, or we're low on milk, we can switch to pasta that night and just mix it up. However, I know that I have these things in the house. It isn't just opening cabinets and staring blankly into them hoping for SOMETHING to fall into the pan. Let's face it, by the time dinner comes around, any ounce of creativity I may have mustered up in the forenoon has been eaten up by peekaboo and science homework. Even Wayne, who was once in the "we could never plan a whole month" camp has come to rely on the menus. When he calls and says "what's for dinner" and I say "what do you feel like?" he just knows it's not gonna be pretty. Do I usually end up making something yummy? sure. Do I efficiently use the resources of the pantry, the food budget and my mental capacity, not so much. </div>
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We don't have a big food budget. I have the utmost compassion for those without food in this and other countries and donate whenever we are able to feed others. I actually feel bad that I may wimper from time to time about our $2-250/month budget when there are those that would see this as an increase. Also, I am blessed that I've stocked up on some things on sale and have a modest pantry (which was also far more extensive at one time), and I have two freezers that are not full, but do provide our beef which Wayne raises himself, and some leftover breakfast sausage that I had made for our wedding, along with a splattering of randomness. The garden goodies are gone except for some chopped celery and a bag of snow peas.</div>
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So what does it look like?</div>
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Here's this month's menu. We go food shopping the second week of the month, as budget allows. So this is for the 8th of Jan-8th of Feb.</div>
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January</div>
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8 Cream Cheese Pancakes </div>
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9 Mom Peg Chicken (oven BBQ'd) and veggie</div>
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10 Pizza (my own) & Garlic Knots</div>
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11 Husband's Delight (An Amish Casserole)</div>
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12 C.O.R.N (Clean out the Fridge Night)</div>
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13 Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Biscuits</div>
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14 Ziti</div>
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15 French Toast & Sausage</div>
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16 Chicken & Rice</div>
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17 Pizza</div>
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18 Bacon Cheddar Chicken & Broccoli</div>
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19 CORN</div>
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20 Broccoli Cheddar Soup</div>
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21 Pasta & sauce w/spinach</div>
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22 PB Choc Chip Pancakes & Sausage</div>
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23 Mom Peg Chicken</div>
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24 Pizza</div>
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25 Steak, Baked Potatoes & Broccoli</div>
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26 CORN</div>
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27 Corn Chowder</div>
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28 Husband's Delight</div>
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29 Omlettes & Sausage</div>
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30 Chicken & Rice</div>
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31 Pizza</div>
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Feb 1 Cheeseburgers</div>
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2 CORN</div>
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3 Broccoli Cheddar Soup</div>
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4 *Event--not home for dinner*</div>
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5 Pancakes & Sausage</div>
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6 Mom Peg Chicken</div>
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7 Pizza</div>
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That's dinners.</div>
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Breakfast is another story. Wayne often goes to Stewart's for breakfast, Joey will eat cereal or something and I tend to think about breakfast around 1pm:) oops. Well, I've finally mastered coffee that Wayne likes so no need for Stewarts any longer. Tonight? I am making up some breakfast sandwiches ala Egg McMuffin that will be individually frozen and available for a 2 minute reheat. It's not all that expensive. The english muffins were BOG2...so about $2.50 for 18, eggs were $2/18...a sprinkle of cheddar, some freezer sausage, and Wayne requested some mushrooms from the pantry as well, maybe 50 cents a piece. Can't go wrong there. </div>
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Lunches---School days, Joey gets lunch at school. Wayne sometimes does Stewarts (ouch) sometimes I deliver. We're 12 miles from the farm. Gas costs about $4 for me to run there, which is why he justifies Stewarts often. We are looking to find an old microwave for the office in the barn though so he could heat up leftovers and make himself some coffee. Sometimes he just needs to get warm so will go for a short drive to get some hot coffee. However, we do like delivering lunch because then we get to see him:) Sometimes he's gone the whole time George is awake, and on school days really only sees Joey when he wakes him up to get in the shower. </div>
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Our monthly shopping occurred on Sunday...PLEASE NEVER let me go shopping on Sunday! MOG! Everyone and their lost hubbies and crazy toddlers were there. I think those little shopping carts are adorable...on Tuesday morning when it's moms and old people....they should be locked up on the weekend! </div>
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Vent over.</div>
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I spent $202. I got everything but American Cheese and Butternut Squash. The deli was filled with people and there wasn't any cubed frozen butternut. We'll live without both.</div>
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Meat is not a big budget item, I spent $27 on chicken for 7 dinners--hopefully leftovers for lunch too:)</div>
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I may have spent $32 on coffee. However, when compared to runs on Dunkin, this is a significant savings.</div>
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Is this a perfect menu? Absolutely not. Would I love fresh veggies and salads a few nights a week, sure thing. With this budget though it's just not possible. Before long though, the garden will be up and running again giving us all the veggies our hearts desire. </div>
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I'm itching to spend my remaining $18 on a few cases of canned veggies ($4/12 this week) or another case of crushed tomatoes ($8/12...down from $27.) but I'm on the fence.</div>
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-89539765321332017102012-01-08T17:41:00.001-05:002012-01-08T17:41:40.480-05:00Cemetery-inspired names<div><p>Creepy? Maybe. Historically fun? Absolutely.</p>
<p>Here are names I saw in cemeteries this morning that I would love to read in a baby announcememt:)</p>
<p>Minnie<br>
Mae/May<br>
Philander (what a cool name)<br>
James (not ancient but love it:)<br>
George :)<br>
Eliza<br>
Charles<br>
Jefferson<br>
Helen<br>
Bethana<br>
Lucy<br>
Betty<br>
Oliver!<br>
Victoria</p>
<p>( in geographical order of prospect hill cemetery, not preferential:)</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22dofBz7XAkwxngHsm5zr4lbbfWlqhFY7ZXdbW05G-P9gaGOWg5bbBYWhz806tdOrRfQ9Kv-NbANO0AydLQcj0FrBSCBb8N6yZh0S6mhpfxGjSqToMTVeUd__ltsEwRh7bichzEJ7e4uo/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m6rZ08FzkLSyF-6r-pAHwXpJwtmSoHp7rTpeCYU49nTRGcQAY0pHrKZp_Y57gzHWHZ5tuhTOnqhH8LAxGiZDuA-K7hWkC-UeZ26Ae33P-kddawNkP07Q8LbzMyQNtC_W0fSFFT__6ToX/' /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com2Victory, Victory43.09355 -73.59237tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-47059484674149888592011-12-14T22:49:00.003-05:002011-12-14T22:49:57.820-05:00Christmas cards, addresses and such.It's come to my attention that I'm one of the few of my peers who A) owns an address book and B)knows how to use it! Really? Maybe I'm just a big dork, but as much as I love sending an email or a text over a phone call, I prefer real mail, for non-urgent/time-sensitive matters. I could not wait to be old enough to send out my own Christmas cards. A few years ago I decided that I liked sending and receiving real mail enough that I shouldn't do it once a year. Then and there I decided to send mail more randomly throughout the year. I have a basket in my dining room full of (well, it was full---it desperately needs restocking) note cards, thank yous, my address book, stamps, wallets of the kids, and the return address stamp. There is no schedule or order really. I can't say "thinking of you card" without hearing Jeff Foxworthy's bit on them..."Dear Earl, I was in the driveway the other day and saw an oil stain that reminded me of your head....." lol However, sometimes you just think of someone and it's nice to write a note. Last month I sent a note to my favorite teacher in high school to tell her how I think of her when reading to George, how I can still hear her voice while I read a poem I once competed with. (No dear, don't sing it it's not a song.) Sometimes to a friend of my grandparents, a cousin, whoever comes to mind. Turns out, people like them!:) I have two pen pals now, go figure. One man who drives by my house to get to the post office to get my notes....how funny is that?<br />
I think in this age of easy communication, many of us have forgotten to communicate. That sounds silly now doesn't it? I think we've become so good at quickly sharing our thoughts that we forget how to develop ideas and summarize events. I think punctuation and spelling have been thrown out with the dish water. <br />
For the last year I subscribed to the Amish newspaper. These people know how to write! Mock their eighth grade education all you want, many "English" eighth graders could not complete these letters. They also have "showers" for folks who are shut ins, or are ill, downs' teenagers, etc. Not a shower like we think, not a "hold up" as my grandmother would call it...a shower of cards. Send note cards, sometimes a scrapbook page shower, and not often, a money shower. This whole paper is compiled of letters written from a scribe in each district. They must only write on one page and must summarize the whole week or two since they've last written. It's amazing what you can learn. I really miss that paper. Budget cuts around here included that...and there is no online version of that paper!:) <br />
As far as Christmas cards go, I love sending and receiving them. This year we switched to a photo post card...far more budget friendly but not quite as much room to write a note. There was a moment I thought I'd never finish them this year. It took longer than in years past. For a second I thought of it almost as a chore, just a task to mark off the list. Then I started thinking about them more. What a year it's been! So many changes in the address book this year! Mostly wonderful new additions, some new connections, some new addresses, new relationships, new last names, sadly, a few less to include in this year's mailing. Some grieving families for who no doubt will be suffering through these holidays. I don't think they should be ignored though. I think it's still very important to let them know you haven't forgotten. <br />
It's been a great opportunity to reflect on this whirlwind of a year and wonder for a minute what 2012 will bring. <br />
If you're not in the address book and would like to be, drop me your address. If you would like a tutorial on what an address book is, how to start one and use it....well let me know:) I, for one, think it would be much more important than the "how to look hot" tutorial on youtube...but sadly, the chances of this one going viral...not so great!:)<br />
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Next up: thank you notes and why you should embrace them!:)<br />
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Happy writing! (the kind with a pen...)<br />
<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-77969904313569778612011-11-28T23:24:00.001-05:002011-11-28T23:59:04.553-05:00PhotosI love photos. I love to take them. I love to look at them. I love to share them. <br />
There are moments I think it's an obsession. I'll be driving along and in my mind frame something into a photo. It probably stems back to when I was a child/teen and my father would show me something and say "what's wrong with this picture?" Often used in marketing displays or a print ad and sometimes upon inspecting an allegedly "clean" room. Not to say I critique everything. Ok, I may critique it, but I don't judge. Mostly I'm critiquing my own work, a recipe, a photo, a home project, a farm project. Before a party I take photos of the house, and then look at them. I had a series of about ten photos I took last year before our Christmas party of the beverage area. Every time I took one I found something different to do in the layout, or flow of the drink situation. Did anyone else notice? Of course not. I didn't do it for anyone else. This might be why I'm good at raking hay. (I think much to my husband's surprise) I'm constantly watching the rows I've already done and checking for consistency and improving technique, then asking questions to see how my part feeds the rest.<br />
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Currently, I'm studying the last 5 years of Christmas pics as I will be adding a second subject to them this year, seeing what made the final cut in years past, and in that one year that there really wasn't a great one, why not? Where should the camera be set? What angles work best? and so on.<br />
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When I'm not taking photos, I am often looking at others. I think it's my favorite part of facebook. I love learning about people, places, and lives through photos. I love watching children grow, families grow, people grow. I love seeing what someone got from an experience through what they thought was the important shot. From a technical standpoint I love looking at photos for ideas. Not that I make a list on a legal pad of what I liked or didn't, I think it's mostly all cataloged in the brain somewhere. My mother has asked me "do you go in with a list of shots you want?" Most often, no. George's newborn shot in the wagon...that was pre-conceptualized...in part. The "keeper" shot was actually the "practice" shot. When all was said and done, that was my favorite. The wagon we had for over ten years, Joey uses it to haul anything and everything around the farm. The rocking chair we used I found in the adjacent barn. Even our Christmas photo...this is our sixth year with the same location. It happened by accident. We were walking north on Broadway from G Willikers toy store, Joey sat in front of the tree at Adirondack Trust and I took his photo. It was instantly the Christmas photo. It's neat to see how he's grown against the same background over the years. <br />
2005 (almost 4)<br />
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2010 (almost 9)<br />
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Almost hard to believe it's the same kid when you look at them next to each other! Imagine what this will look like in 2015! George will be 4...Joey will be almost 14! <br />
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Though I'm a purger of "stuff"....photos I keep. I am looking at one of my Grandmother and Joey when he was maybe 1...great photo, great memories, great wonderfulness. <br />
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So please, keep taking pictures and keep sharing them. <br />
Thanks:-)Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-11442954454834553782011-11-23T17:16:00.001-05:002011-11-24T22:09:48.953-05:00ThanksgivingWhat is Thanksgiving?<div>
According to Merriam Webster: a day appointed to give thanks for divine goodness.</div>
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According to our society: a much anticipated event filled with joyful chaos, travel, family, friends, insane amounts of yummy, and yes, thanks.</div>
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This Thanksgiving wasn't what I had hoped for. We had plans to be with my family and friends today that were changed last weekend. Honestly, I felt like boycotting Thanksgiving. I planned on taking a brisket out of the freezer and whatever. </div>
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Growing up, Thanksgiving usually sucked. We never went anywhere, there were no festivities, just another day at home with a parade on tv. My favorite Thanksgiving ever was in high school when I spent it at my friend Michelle's house. There was a long table, all her sisters and their hubbys, her brother and his family, gorgeous dishes, roll passing, just...perfect. It had a sense of celebration and wonderfulness.</div>
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I fully believe in creating what you want for your family, your own traditions and legacy. That's easier said than done. It's not that we don't have plenty to be thankful for. We do. </div>
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For the last three years, this being the forth, we've stayed home. Joey has told me this countless times in the last week, and with extreme disappointment. I expand the menu, we have desserts, etc. Other than the fact that it's daylight out when we eat, really not any different then every.other.day.</div>
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I cook every day. I'm one with my kitchen. I made the entire meal and three desserts relying only on two recipes. I also believe in using the "good plates" every day. Why save them? Might they get chipped? sure. oh well. </div>
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This morning was boring. We haven't had tv since June, today was the first day it bugged me. No parade. </div>
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OK, so I put the turkey in the oven...George down for his nap...work on the roll dough I started yesterday and review the to do list. It's pretty much done. I bought into the media's pageantry of chaos and "so much to do" and made half of it yesterday in about three hours. So what now? Sweep the floor and watch the dough rise. Thrilling.</div>
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I set the table and made a cheese/pepperoni and cracker tray...man I could do that in my sleep. </div>
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Eventually George woke up from that nap, finally someone to talk to. Someone excited about Thanksgiving...well, he was rather smiley. </div>
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I was reading books with him when the boys got home a little after two. He hung out with Daddy and I finished the mashed potatoes and baked the rolls, then moved it all to the table. Of course George was starving immediately, so I fed him, then I ate as Wayne and Joey did. Then George gave into the tryptophan, Wayne tried to use the laptop with a defunct trackpad (I found what he wanted on my phone than he typed in the address with a series of "tabs" and "shift-tabs"...it was great) and Joey cleaned up the food.</div>
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A little while later we had dessert....and barely put a dent in it. </div>
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Wayne cuddled with the dog, I pulled up a new cell phone on verizon's website to show him. Joey played with his legos. Eventually they went back to the farm, I ordered our new phones, and boiled the remainder of the turkey and attacked the dishes. </div>
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I wouldn't say it was a bad day...I'm glad to be surrounded by my boys, have a roof over their heads and the ability to feed them. I certainly don't mind "all that cooking"...maybe I just need to feed more people.</div>
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Am I thankful? Absolutely. Did I have four bonus hours with Wayne, sure did. </div>
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I wonder what next year will bring? Certainly more thanks...maybe some celebration.</div>
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<br /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-22553206802065449152011-11-17T13:45:00.001-05:002011-11-17T16:14:49.389-05:00The one about writing and kitchen goodness!Let me begin by saying, "wow." I had no idea people actually read this. It is almost strange to hear someone tell you they are going to make this or that, or share their story based on one of mine all the while thinking "when did I tell them that?" Oh the blog that nobody reads. I write for me. I have always loved to write about things I like. I think written communication is becoming a lost art. I recently read an email from a teacher, a TEACHER in a professional situation, that lacked capitals, punctuation, and grammar. I am far from a perfect writer. I proof read texts but I know I still miss things. I'm a spelling freak. I hate misspelling. I understand typos. I hate misspelling. I picked up a local advertising paper type thing a few weeks ago. Clearly they will "create an ad for you" as the misspellings were rampant throughout the publication. When reading the editor's commentary I had to put it down, I could not get through another "to" instead of "too" or one more misused apostrophe. Okay, vent over. (It may come back in a blog of it's own some day.) <br />
I have a lot of thoughts. Some I share and many I don't. I think that since my accident some part of the brain is jumbled and when I think something, as random as it may be, I put it into sentence structure. Then I want to write it. Often times I text the thought to someone who may care, sometimes I post it on facebook, sometimes I blog it, many times it just floats around in my head. Some things I'm great at writing about, but awful at sharing with a person. I am really bad at chatting on the phone, I get distracted. I also have a bunch of email drafts on my phone I've never sent to anyone but I needed to process some things in my head so I wrote them.<br />
So if there are days that I am crazily updating my stati (I don't like the word "statuses"...I'll go back to Latin, thank you) please understand that this is only 1/2% of what I could have posted:) I also don't talk to people in real life other than Wayne most days. So writing thoughts somewhere is usually the only way they get somewhere. <br />
I haven't blogged in weeks. I could currently write an incoherent book with all of the sentences floating in my head. Some with a common theme, many are random. <br />
Seeing as how I do have a house to stay on top of today and that I haven't gotten the mail in days this will be as inclusive and brief as possible...if that is possible.<br />
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<br />
Yogurt. Make it. It's easy.<br />
When I'm not writing or creating sentences between my ears I'm researching something. I have researched yogurt recipes on top of yogurt recipes. I think I am on batch six now, tweaked each time of course.<br />
<br />
1/2gallon of milk<br />
Heat over low temp to 180 degrees, stirring frequently to prevent scalding.<br />
(As much as I love the idea of raw milk yogurt, it is runnier. This is because the good enzymes in the raw milk are competing with the yogurt cultures so that they don't have as much room to grow. Yes you can add pectin and/or milk powder to the raw milk yogurt for increased consistency, but I'm not really a big fan of additives especially when feeding a four month old.)<br />
Remove from heat and cool to 110 degrees.<br />
While this is cooling, put 1/2c of yogurt from the store or a previous batch in each of two quart size mason jars, along with a tablespoon of sugar. <br />
When milk is at 110, pour into mason jars.<br />
Cover these and turn over gently to incorporate yogurt into milk.<br />
Do not shake vigorously as you can kill cultures.<br />
Now, keep at 100-115degrees for 8-10 hours.<br />
How? Well there are a myriad of ways. There is the crock pot way which I found inconsistent though some swear by it. There is also a heating pad method, and even a heating pad and a crockpot method. Not to be confused with the 100 watt bulb in an empty drawer or the oven light or the styrofoam cooler. I'm a geek. I like numbers, consistency, reliability. I've begun to use my "warming drawer" on our oven. Who knew it would come in so handy. While many individual warming drawers have a digital thermostat you can set, mine has three settings: low, medium and high. Reread "I'm a geek." Even when chatting with my favorite appliance guru (see Adirondack Appliance for all your appliance needs, real people real service.) and half an hour on google I couln't get the stats on my warming drawer temps. I start on medium for the pre-heat, then drop to low for the remainder.<br />
As tempted as you will be to play with it immediately, don't. Put it in the fridge and leave it alone. If you can stand it, another 8-10 hours is superb. <br />
Then enjoy. Plain (as G does) mix in jam, oreo cookie crumbs, fruit, granola, vanilla are all awesome. Subject to your palette.<br />
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Pizza...I did it, finally, I made pizza that wasn't gross, hard, chewy, or just a hold-over until we got "real pizza" again...this IS real pizza.<br />
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So easy my sister, who has mastered rice and....that's about it, can make it. (mostly:)<br />
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12 oz warm water<br />
1 Tablespoon of yeast<br />
2Tablespoons of sugar.<br />
Mix, then leave alonfor 5 minutes. <br />
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In large bowl mix 3 1/2c of Unbleached King Arthur Bread Flour and the yeast/water. By mix I mean take off your rings and mix. Go dough hook on your dough:) I find a sweeping motion then a fist into the dough incorporates this well. It will be combined, but not perfectly smooth.<br />
Let sit 10-15 minutes.<br />
Preheat oven to 500 degrees.<br />
Melt 4Tablespoons of butter in a dish (you should remove the wax paper first....MJ) then add about 2-3tsp of garlic salt. Paint the pizza screen with the butter. (go to a restaurant supply store for pizza pans...$3-4 tops.)<br />
Dust your counter with flour and plop the dough on the counter. Knead for a few minutes until smooth (you'll know when, just keep going...it will turn quickly to pretty and smooth.) <br />
Spread some cornmeal on the counter and roll out your dough. Don't be gentle, this is no pastry crust, this is pizza. Put some umpf behind that rolling pin. I've also gotten to the point where I will pick it up and put a fist in the middle and let it hang and stretch itself a little. <br />
Spread on the pan.<br />
Trim the edges with a small sharp knife to make round (DO NOT THROW OUT SCRAPS!)<br />
Add sauce to the center and swirl around with the bottom of the ladle. You do not need a lot, at all. <br />
Add cheese/toppings as you choose.<br />
Paint the edge of the crust with the garlic butter.<br />
Put in the oven on the middle shelf. <br />
I use convection at 500 degrees. It takes about 8-10 minutes (I think, I just watch it:)<br />
After that goes in, it's time to transform the scraps into garlic knots!<br />
Cut the dough into smallish pieces and roll into ropes about 1/2" thick and 3-4" long. Dip in the garlic butter than tie in a knot. Put these on a second tray. I cook these on the rack above the pizza.<br />
When all is golden, remove from oven. Cool the pizza about 8 minutes so that your cheese will stay put when cut and of course you won't burn yourself!:) Serve with some sauce for dipping the knots.<br />
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Ketchup.<br />
We're out. I already spent the grocery money for the month, time to be resourceful.<br />
<br />
18oz tomato paste<br />
28oz crushed tomatoes<br />
3/4c vinegar<br />
3/4c sugar<br />
Dash of cinnamon<br />
Dash of Garlic salt<br />
Dash of Onion Powder<br />
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Simmer 20-30 mins.<br />
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Cool.<br />
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Eat. <br />
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Yummy! I made this right before lunch. I wanted some with our leftover roasted red potatoes, so I put a little in a pyrex and threw it in the freezer to chill. I really liked it, hope the boys do too! Made about 36oz. <br />
In the future I would like to substitute molasses for the sugar...we'll see how that goes:) <br />
OK....I really need to fold some clothes and clean the kitchen before this nap is over! <br />
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-11955872584541496032011-10-23T20:24:00.001-04:002011-10-23T20:24:15.357-04:00Apple FrittersEver read a status on fb that makes your mouth water? Special thanks to MaryEllen Naughton for inspiring this recipe:) Originally an Amish recipe that I tweaked a little.<br />
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5-6 medium-large apples, peeled and cored...then sliced about 3/8" thick.<br />
1c flour<br />
2 Tbsp Sugar<br />
scant 1c milk<br />
1 1/2tsp baking powder<br />
1/2tsp salt<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
Once apples are prepped set to the side. <br />
Combine dry ingredients. Beat egg into milk, then add to dry. <br />
Mix well. <br />
Heat about 1" oil in frying pan.<br />
Dip the apple slices into batter and coat well. Put a batch into the hot oil, until brown, then turn over until brown on second side. <br />
Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar if desired. <br />
Makes about 24 fritters.<br />
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ooh its so good:)<br />
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-50812796064195310532011-10-23T14:44:00.001-04:002011-10-23T14:46:48.680-04:00A year ago today...OK, for most people this would be really weird to share. OK...well...it's even a little weird for me.<br />
A year ago today an amazing Dr gave George a shot at coming into this world:) Well, George and potentially 10 siblings! (can you imagine??) Eleven juevos were retrieved, eight were mature and then fertilized and left to "do their thing"...six continued to grow...three made it through genetic testing to make sure they had good shots at growing. One was abnormal (could mean a million different things), one boy and one girl. A year minus five days ago the boy and girl were put back into the baby grower...and we know who stuck!:) <br />
Sometimes I wonder what twins would have been like...some days I can't imagine reading twice as many stories!:) lol At the time I was really hoping for at least two extra "embabies" to freeze and do another round with in the future. God had His plan. So glad He gave us George....and I think George is pretty happy to be here:) (though sometimes...I think he thinks he's one already....)<br />
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-55281650434719864052011-10-22T14:24:00.000-04:002011-10-22T14:24:22.955-04:00Broccoli Cheddar SoupI'm a big fan of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, as are the boys. It took me MANY trials before I finally found a great recipe to recreate restaurant style Broccoli Cheddar at home. I shall share and save the rest of you a lot of time experimenting:)<br />
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3c water<br />
1T Chicken Base (can use 3 bullion cubes, but I find a much better flavor with the Base)<br />
4 medium potatoes, peeled & diced (spoon friendly sizes)<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
6-8 cups of broccoli (cut, but not minute--they will break up some in the cooking process)<br />
1/3c butter<br />
1/3c flour<br />
3 1/2c milk (whole is best, 2% will suffice)<br />
4c grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />
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Combine water and base in a large saucepan and bring to boil. Add vegetables and simmer until tender.<br />
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add flour and whisk until combined. Cook for one minute. SLOWLY add milk. I find it best to add about half a cup and whisk until it is incorporated completely at the start. Once all of the milk is added let cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Don't rush this process, you will know when:) Turn off burner and add cheese. Stir until consistent in color. Add sauce to vegeatables and stir. Let combine and warm, but do not boil, for a few minutes. Serve & Enjoy!<br />
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This recipe gives five to six "good" servings, worthy of a meal when combined with a simple sandwich for even the hungriest of farmers. <br />
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When heating up leftovers, add a little milk and stir:)<br />
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<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-81137071874715037512011-10-14T00:07:00.001-04:002011-10-14T00:07:43.380-04:00SpewNewborns don't come with an instruction manual. Sure there are a gazillion books about what you could expect, there are weekly emails to say "this is what your baby will do in the next seven days" and there are well meaning friends and relatives. Then there are babies. No two are alike. Some meet those milestones when the email says they will, some do it a little later, some a lot later, and some months before the email is sent. George falls into that last category. He's not following one single book, email, or his big brother. <br />
At four weeks he started rolling over, at five weeks he had a tooth, at ten weeks a second. He loves story time and now holds the books. He pulls toys off his toy bar. Sits pretty well when slightly supported. etc etc...<br />
This is not about what he can do. It's about what he can't.<br />
George is a spewer. In the nicest way I can describe this, until Monday every liquid he's been given comes back. Some quicker than others, but they all came back. I'm married to a dairy farmer, if spew grossed me out I'd need a new life!:) This isn't your normal run of the mill spit up...no sir. This is spew. It creates puddles on the floor if you're quick enough to aim him away from you, or puddles in your cleavage if you're not. (aren't you glad you know that?) This is not, as his doctor and I discussed, merely a "laundry issue" this is serious.<br />
It's been a very fun filled few months trying to get to the root of this. <br />
We started off on the boob. Which lasted till day 4. Small mouth. That's all I'll share.<br />
Started pumping. <br />
The more he drank, the more he spewed. Must be the green beans. cut them. Maybe the broccoli? cut them. Dairy? cut (not easy, but cut). So we changed nipples three times, bottles three times and nipples on the new bottles at least twice. Some seemed to have a little change, but in the end there was still spew.<br />
Off to the Doc for input. Let's try a soy formula and do an ultrasound on his stomach. He could have pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the "emptying tube" from the stomach). Nope that's clear. Let him adjust to the soy. Okay great.<br />
Let's visit the dentist to get that tooth looked at. Yea sure, a tooth, but also a tongue tie and a tight lip (re-read day 4-small mouth). In office laser surgery. Stretching his tongue and lip 4x/day. (Did I mention how strong he is?) He's now a quieter eater...but it still comes back.<br />
Infant Chiropractic works wonders on reflux issues. Wonderful. Let's go. No adverse reactions, a few visits...maybe a little better? but alas, it comes back. <br />
Somewhere around month two (it's all a blur), I heard that cereal in the bottle can help it stay down. Game for anything, he needs to eat. Guess what? It comes back up thicker. (Which also required MORE new nipples.) Hmm.<br />
Google oh google. "Bottle thickening is bad, if they need it feed it on a spoon" really? he's so little? what about the tongue thrust thing? what about his little digestive system? what about we were waiting till 6 months? Oh fine...he's hungry, lets try. Wouldn't you know...it stays down. Tongue thrust? what's that? Non existent in this child. So once every few days some cereal and applesauce. On those "extra spewey days" <br />
2 month visit: 14lb 2oz. Okay, he must be keeping enough of it down. Just a BIG laundry issue.<br />
Joey's physical over 2 weeks later...under 14lb with a diaper and clothes on. <br />
OK, not laundry. He's not keeping enough down. Time to step up the game.<br />
He can't live on rice cereal and applesauce. So we introduce new foods. Green beans--not a fan. Bananas--he would eat them every meal. Peas, ok with bananas in the right proportion. Baby oatmeal, fine. Mommy makes REAL oatmeal finer--super score. Squash--home run. OK great, so he's keeping this down, and seems to be growing. But I think he's eating too much. Engage hyper-research-nutritionist mode. That boy needs to cut back on bananas. (100 cals per 1/2 cup! and yes, he'd eat 1/2c with 1/2c of oatmeal!) But, he's too little to go straight solids. PLUS he'll get dehydrated at some point. <br />
What do I do?<br />
So in trying to balance the right vitamins, minerals, calories, fat, etc I read the ingredient label on the soy formula. Mother of God! The widely distributed soy formula is made with 55% corn syrup solids! 24% Vegetable oil! I wouldn't let Joey eat that! Holy crap! Why didn't I read this sooner? Gross. I suppose I'd spew it too:) (After chiro, tongue, etc etc, we would introduce the breast milk as there is a great deal in my freezer, but to similar results.)<br />
In all my research there isn't one kid who doesn't tolerate some kind of formula or breast milk. Mine would be the one. (For formulas we tried: regular, newborn, fussy/gassy, soy, and hypoallergenic.)<br />
Raw milk. <br />
Really? Yes. Many people who are lactose intolerant, can handle raw milk. Why you ask? Raw milk is a rather perfect food. Vitamin for vitamin, calorie for calorie, mineral for mineral on paper it's the same as formula. In reality, it's not engineered. The vitamins and minerals are metabolically available. All of the essential enzymes for building your body, are in milk. Including the one that breaks down the lactose. When the milk is pasteurized many of these enzymes are history. <br />
But what about the bacteria? I'm in a very unique position. I live with the farmer. He can tell me if any of the cows are sick, he, his father, or our older son are the ones who clean the teats, the milking system is sanitized twice a day, and the milk comes out of the tank and is driven home. Actually his first bottle of raw milk was consumed minutes after being released from the tank. I have no concerns over the product. If we did, this wouldn't have been an option.<br />
It was free to try.<br />
The first 24 hours I almost stalked that baby waiting for spew. A little with a burp, and a little when I gave him 8 oz instead of 6ish (mom error). I will not go into detail, but the output in the diaper has increased significantly. Proving there's more going in. His appetite for his "solids meal" is about half. It's also been reduced to once a day and about 80 calories. <br />
This morning, I dressed him at 8:00...he had a bottle a nap, went in the car and the truck and when Daddy was eating his lunch...he was CLEAN! Amazing! Also, far more content. Actually more alert than he was, which was pretty intense. Since he's not busy spewing we've had more play time, more attempts at "tummy time" which in reality are "I'll stay on my tummy for a minute or so, but then I'll roll over." <br />
Most importantly he can use this wonderful perfect natural food to grow, he can tolerate his feeds, have an age appropriate amount of variety, and not be dehydrated. As bonuses, there's less laundry, I don't smell like calf grain, and we're raising him on a wholesome diet.<br />
<br />
As a disclaimer: Yes, I think breast is best. Yes, I'm totally for delaying solids. (I even bought a non-reclining high chair a year ago.) No, I don't think this is the answer for everyone, nor for anyone else. It's just our story of what is working for our child at this moment. Don't hate, just love:)<br />
<br />Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-64044142870474941222011-10-07T21:56:00.002-04:002011-10-07T22:33:24.864-04:00On penny pinching and laundry...Just when I think I have the budget down to the bare bones...sometimes I need to make more cuts. But where? Sometimes it gets a little stressful agonizing over numbers. <div>Of course that darn electric bill doesn't help any, average of $3.48/day last September...average of $5.00/day this September. If only there were room here for a windmill.</div><div>So where do we cut now? How about in the laundry room? I just did that. In June I switched to a new laundry soap called Ecovantage, one small container was $40, but lasted 2 days short of 4 months. Average monthly cost of $10. I don't keep track of how many loads of laundry I do per day/week/month. I would average about eight to ten per week. Let's say 10, times 4.3 (average weeks/month. 43 loads/month times 4 months, 172 loads for $40. 23cents per load. Not bad, and it did a good job of getting both nasty farm clothes and less than desirable baby diapers clean. </div><div>I also switched to using Vinegar in the rinse cycle in place of fabric softener. That costs about $2/month. Huge savings there and the clothes do not smell like vinegar:)</div><div>So I started researching alternatives, because there are always alternatives. I've seen the episode where the Duggars made their own laundry soap and this is what I stumbled upon when I started researching. As I told Wayne, they have 19 children that always look clean, it's worth a shot. So off I went to gather the ingredients. Borax (I had some, but couldn't remember how much was left/how much I needed), Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and a bar of Fels Naptha soap. I figured I would check Walmart first and there they were, all lined up next to each other. I must not be the only one in Saratoga County embarking on this adventure. The total spent on these products was $6.50. I repurposed the cat food 5 gallon pail in my house (we're almost out of cat food anyway). I actually made the whole thing while on the phone with my mom, super simple to do. Grate the Fels Naptha--in the food processor, it looked like neon cheddar:) melt that in 4c water on the stove then mix with more water and the powders. If I spend $4 more I can make 4 more batches of this. Which would produce 320 washes per batch. or 1600 washes for $10.50 or 6/10 of one cent per load!!! Holy smokes! </div><div>That's great, but does it work? Indeed it does. The diapers are not only clean, but also a lot softer. They are a fleece material inside so this can be attributed to a better rinse/less build up of cleaners. They are also a bit brighter. Wayne brought home, on his person, a really gross pair of pants the other day (he was moving calves...) guess what? they came out clean...well it didn't remove old grease stains, but the pants were clean. As for the smell, they smell clean without being over-perfumed. We're not dealing with any additives, dyes or perfumes. Making it safe for both sensitive skin as well as cloth diaper friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>In related news...I love cloth diapers. I'm so glad to not be shelling out $50/month, that I don't have, on diapers (based on sale/coupon prices). Not to mention these are so soft, so cozy, so simple. </div><div><br /></div><div>and since I'm in cheapista mode...baby food!</div><div>Did you know that $1.46 worth of fresh bananas is the equivalent of $10.46 worth of baby food bananas! OMG!!!! Outrageous. If I didn't already have a food processor, do you realize how quick it would be paid for? (best Christmas present ever) I'd go broke in a big hurry feeding this kiddo!:) </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and back to that electric bill. Did you know you have a choice of suppliers in NY? (and some other states also) I researched, we're with the cheapest one...of course:) Worth the investigation however.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-76658064605076659212011-06-22T15:20:00.003-04:002011-06-22T16:34:20.701-04:00Joey's AMAZING Chocolate Chip CookiesJoey made these super yummy cookies today! Perfect fix for a rainy day!:)<div><br /></div><div>4 1/2c flour</div><div>2tsp baking powder </div><div>2tsp baking soda</div><div><br /></div><div>1 1/2 c butter (softened)</div><div>1 1/2c brown sugar</div><div>1/2c sugar</div><div>2 packages (.8 oz) sugar free vanilla pudding (unprepared)</div><div>2tsp vanilla</div><div><br /></div><div>4 eggs</div><div><br /></div><div>3c chocolate chips</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine flour, baking powder & baking soda. Set aside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine butter, sugars, vanilla and vanilla pudding until smooth and creamy. </div><div>Beat in eggs.</div><div>Gradually add in flour mixture.</div><div>Add chocolate chips.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bake for 12 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Makes about 7 dozen small cookies.</div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-8757424268163252422011-05-03T11:26:00.002-04:002011-05-03T11:54:31.570-04:00Responsible is kinda boring...OK, OK....i know I'm a grown up...or should at least act like one. This morning was direct deposit/bill paying morning. I know I should be incredibly thankful to have money to pay the bills...and I am. We're blessed out with a nice home, electric, cable, internet, cells. <br />Really though, it would have been way more fun to spend the morning at the outlets...<br />I spend a lot of time getting rid of stuff in my house to keep it neat and organized, and when I shop I really don't go crazy. I usually don't pay full price for anything. I think it's mostly a psychological thing. I'd like to go grocery shopping without adding up our total the whole way through the store to keep it in budget. I'd like to know that I can go bra shopping (something I actually loathe) and still buy gas next week. I think it's more the not worrying IF I can, rather than actually doing it. <br />Retail therapy was way more fun when all i had was a truck payment and more cash than we bring in combined in a month. (There was a day I walked into Tiffany's with $8,000 in cash in my backpack...and not a bill to pay...)<br />Don't get me wrong, i totally embrace the fact that I SHOULD pay the bills...and how lovely it is long term. I suppose wondering if the lights will be turned off is worse than wondering if I can blow $100 at the outlets...<br />There is definitely a fabulous sense of security in paying the bills. It's just not very fun:) <br />Something tells me that at 30 I should find joy in this...maybe I'm just not there yet. As much as I appreciate spending half an hour clicking away and paying all the bills...I just don't wanna:)<br />It's not like our bills are crazy...they are pretty much bare bones with added perks like texting:) <br />There's also a part of me that would love a new car...but there's a bigger part of me that's excited my car payment will be going away in about a year. The baby will be paid for in October. (that sounds so weird) So things will lighten up a little. I'm just stuck here and kinda whining...trying to focus on "yay the bills are paid" and not the "well if I drive 15 miles to save 10 cents a pound on chicken...does it still make sense?"<br />It would just be a whole different life if we lived on the farm. A $1300 mortgage and a $500/month gas savings...we could save half of it, upgrade to standard cable, and buy all the natural chicken breasts our heart desired...and maybe even hit up a clearance rack here or there...<br />but...that's out of our control. <br />So for now I shall try hard to find joy in paid bills...spend an hour reading circulars to find the best chicken price, and not think about how nice a new couch would be.Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-33934220224648840982011-04-27T05:37:00.003-04:002011-04-27T06:00:45.864-04:00Possibly an obsession.FINALLY we had a beautiful day yesterday!:) It's been a long time coming this year...but finally, it IS here. After school Joey and I headed to the library, but it actually killed me to be inside...that's when I knew I couldn't go straight home:) Off to the farm we went to bring the boss man a cold drink. He was busy processing firewood, so I said "I feel like mowing, but it's still a little wet" Joey says "I'll meet you at the shop to grease it up"...ok great. Harmless really:) So there we were greasing it up, checking fluids and filters and reuniting after a long winter. My father-in-law even stopped by to help us get it ready and make sure we found all the grease fittings. With one tank full I certainly couldn't put it back in the barn. <div>This is the first time in YEARS I've had a mower ready to go when the grass was ready. Before this one, I used a small tractor that doubles as a barn cleaner...getting DH to have the barn all cleaned and then switch it over to the mower (big process) always seemed to take almost a month when you factor in weather and such. Blah. Last year FIL bought this new mower, but not until mid-June...and he would mow mostly his lawn and nothing else. Finally one day I couldn't take it any more and jumped on to figure it out. As they say, it was all down hill from there:) I took command of farm beautification, which...at our place...is an uphill battle to say the least. It took weeks to just knock down the tall stuff enough to make it look semi-manicured....but still clumpy. </div><div>So there I was yesterday...no ipod, no funky ear protection (I've decided it's really the quietest mower ever...I can hear my cell ring over it) off to just "give it a try"</div><div>There she was, mounting her favorite seat in Saratoga county...the 2010 Kubota Z236 Diesel Zero Turn with 60" mower deck. Oh how I missed that. I think it was mutual:) Over that terrain I know so well, every dip, stray block, areas famous for random baling twine (get that stuck in 3 sets of blades and tell me how that 45mins untangling it is!) </div><div>I initially convinced myself that some of the lawn wasn't tall enough yet...but man did it look pretty after. Just that first spring cut to make it look fresh and even. No playing catch-up, no clumps of grass everywhere....just gorgeous lawn. Joey follows behind with his Amish mower, getting in between hay wagons and around equipment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well sure enough 2 hours later having mowed about half the farm and not getting stuck in the mud, I reluctantly pulled her back in the barn. Idled her down and told her I'd see her tomorrow. </div><div><br /></div><div>My OB had told me to sit and sunbathe yesterday and enjoy the sun. Oh that I did doc, that I did. George seemed to tolerate it very well...which is good. The first thing FIL's fiance said when we told her we were pregnant was "Who's going to mow the lawn?" On it. </div><div><br /></div><div>In early labor...I will be mowing lawn. I'll probably need a week or two off after the baby arrives so the mower deck will be lowered till one the end of June to prepare for the mid-summer-siesta:)</div><div><br /></div><div>Some day....we will be a dairy of distinction...some day. A girl can dream right? </div><div>Well hey...at least the lawn will be pretty.</div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-24443849688986887552011-04-09T19:36:00.002-04:002011-04-09T19:50:29.739-04:00Why I live with boys...I'm a crappy girl. <div>This morning, the boss needed a new deodorant so I was checking the bin in the bathroom closet.</div><div>I found three screwdrivers, a lightbulb, a hole punch, two things of makeup all the way on the bottom that have never been used, and some cute hair stuff (ie: hair ties in blue/tan---not black) still in the packaging. </div><div>My hairdryer you ask? I do own one (surprised?)...it's downstairs in the workshop because the last time I used it (last August) was to dry some spray glue. </div><div>I'm Cliniques worst regular customer. A year ago March I bought a large bottle of clarifying lotion (astringent) and a thing of face moisturizer...and smelly body lotion. </div><div>I have about a quarter of the clarifying lotion left, the face moisturizer is almost empty because we both used it on sunburns last year, and the smelly body lotion is almost full. </div><div>I haven't worn make-up in 364 days...and I'm so ok with that. </div><div>I do have about 5 Alabu lip balms though...no tint or anything, lets not get carried away:)</div><div>BUT...I did have on TWO items of pink clothing today...and even bought a not-black shirt this week (slate grey)</div><div>I have three bottles of nail polish remover...and no nail polish. Which means, I will get mani/pedis...but know better than to attempt these on my own.</div><div>I love my hair dried out cute and straight...but also know better to attempt this on my own...there is some combination of me, a round brush, and long hair that just begs for disaster.</div><div>Therefore: I live with boys.</div><div><br /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1377884893608663952.post-32481050716456109852011-03-26T20:20:00.002-04:002011-03-26T20:30:12.520-04:00Names I love.Somehow growing up, we knew who all the cousins were and who they were with. I don't think it was until I did the wedding database that I realized there was so much carry-over. Other than the time we were in Mass for the untimely passing of my cousin and MAM (My Aunt Mary) put all of the hotel rooms in M Naughton...with the exception of 2? Ps? The guy at the desk thought she was nuts...but really...in the 15 or so rooms, they almost all had an M Naughton. I see this as convenient:) <div>So someone in a "mom's group" was just asking for Irish names for their son...and so I began, well we have a Stephen and a Thomas and a Michael and a Joseph in Ireland...and we have a Stephen and a Michael and a Joseph here...then then there's a Mack and a Patrick and a Joseph...</div><div>I continued to write that it's not that confusing, you just do as the Amish and put the parent's name first, ie: Peg's Michael, Helen's Joe. Then I said, oh well there is one Helen with a hubby Joe and a son Joe...oh jaaazzzuuss Mary & Joseph that's both the Helens...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katie Gorsky http://www.blogger.com/profile/06012770721092214944noreply@blogger.com0